This systematic review and meta-analysis examined seroprevalence data for Rift Valley Fever in dromedary camels. Researchers pooled results from studies conducted across 11 African countries to understand how common the infection is in this population. The analysis included a total of 7,444 camels.
The study found that the overall pooled seroprevalence was 17.25%. However, infection rates varied greatly depending on the specific country. Somalia showed the highest rate at 73.4%, while Niger and Mauritania had rates of 36.6% and 32.2% respectively. Adult camels exhibited higher infection rates than younger animals.
The researchers noted significant differences between countries and age groups. They found no significant differences based on sex, health status, origin, sample size, or diagnostic method. The authors state that these findings provide critical insights for public and animal health authorities to develop evidence-based control strategies. These strategies may include vaccination, vector management, and movement control.
A limitation of this analysis is the limited number of studies focusing specifically on camels. Because this is a meta-analysis of existing data, it does not report on safety concerns or adverse events. Readers should understand that these results describe infection prevalence and do not prove that one factor caused another.