Abu Dhabi
[
UAE
], March 24 (ANI/WAM): Experts from WOAH Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, affiliated with the
Abu Dhabi
The Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) in the
UAE
, has identified one of the potential causes behind the enigmatic condition.
camel
mortality in Ethiopia.

This phenomenon has resulted in significant economic losses and severe social consequences over the past two decades.

The announcement was made during the 26th Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Africa, held in Ethiopia from 4-7 February 2025. The event was attended by the Deputy Director-General of WOAH, leading scientific experts, and representatives from various countries and global organisations.

During the conference, ADAFSA team of experts from the WOAH Collaborating Centre of Camel Diseases presented the findings of their field investigations and laboratory analyses, which were conducted in response to a formal request from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture seeking scientific support in identifying the cause of this enigmatic disease outbreak.

In July 2024, a specialised technical team from WOAH Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases in collaboration with the Animal Health Institute (AHI) in Ethiopia, conducted a field visit to Ethiopia, where clinical samples were collected from infected
camel
s in Borana zone, southwest of Ethiopia.

The initial lab tests verified the existence of the Wesselsbron virus (WSLV), which is a member of the Flaviviridae family and falls under the genus Flavivirus in the affected individual.
camel
For the first time, this discovery has attracted significant international notice and received considerable acclaim from officials in the impacted nations such as Kenya and Somalia, along with major organizations focused on global animal health.

This achievement reaffirms the
UAE
‘and ADAFSA’s prominent position in backing international initiatives aimed at safeguarding animal health, especially in the
camel
sector, and to boost regional and global biosecurity. It also reinforces
Abu Dhabi
‘s position as a centre of excellence in veterinary research, contributing to biosecurity and food security.

Given these preliminary results, the Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, alongside the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, has suggested that future research should focus on the epidemiology of the “Wesselsbron virus” in
camel
s. They also recommend broadening the scope of investigations to include East African countries to corroborate the initial findings identified in Ethiopia.

They also concurred on enhancing analytical methods for carrying out serosurveys in the impacted regions, along with executing field tests to examine the virus’s effects.
camel
In addition to potentially developing an effective vaccine to curb the transmission of WSLV, efforts are currently being made to collaborate with health agencies in Ethiopia. This collaboration involves analyzing human specimens to detect the virus, with the aim of broadening our comprehension of its zoonotic and epidemiological implications through a One Health perspective.

To strengthen global scientific collaboration and enhance knowledge sharing, specialists from ADAFSA visited the Ethiopian Animal Health Institute. There, they set up and initiated confirmatory diagnostic procedures to detect the Wesselsbron virus in the institute’s labs. This effort allowed them to identify the virus in previously stored clinical specimens, thereby corroborating ADAFSA’s findings with further evidence.

Additionally, ADAFSA and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening research capabilities and disease surveillance in animal diseases. The agreement will include collaboration in knowledge exchange and information sharing, joint training programs for veterinary professionals, and collaborative research projects to deepen scientific understanding of
camel
diseases in the region.

This collaboration is anticipated to strengthen biosecurity protocols and boost livestock wellness, providing advantages for pastoral groups reliant on animal husbandry.
camel
s for their livelihoods.

This collaboration reflects the
UAE
Dedication to backing global initiatives for animal health and promoting the One Health concept, which connects human, animal, and environmental well-being to foster sustainable development and enhance biosafety.

Asma Abdi Mohamed, Director of Biosecurity Affairs Division at ADAFSA and Head of the experts Research Team, expressed her pride in this milestone achievement, stating, “Identifying Wesselsbron virus as a possible causative agent of mysterious
camel
The deaths in Ethiopia signify an unparalleled scientific accomplishment. This milestone highlights the proficiency of our Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases and underscores its capability to deliver scientific solutions that safeguard livestock while improving regional and international biosafety.”

She stated, “Our discovery was facilitated by the diligent work of our research group along with our robust partnership with Ethiopian entities and WOAH. We continue to be devoted to advancing this study to create efficient preventive measures and treatments that protect animal herds.”

ADAFSA continues to be committed to progressing scientific research and enhancing animal disease diagnostics, strengthening its position as a vital participant in international initiatives aimed at curbing pandemics and livestock illnesses.

At ADAFSA, our commitment includes broadening regional and international collaboration via experience sharing, jointly developing training programs, engaging in field research, and implementing a “One Health” strategy to safeguard livestock health and promote sustainable growth. (ANI/WAM)