ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), represented by the Middle East Camel Network (CAMENET) and the Camel Disease Reference Centre, recently organised a specialised, hands-on training programme focusing on laboratory diagnosis of camel brucellosis.

Held in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the initiative aligns with strategic efforts to combat zoonotic diseases and animal-to-human transmitted infections across the region.


This practical training programme aims to enhance the diagnostic capacity of veterinary laboratories, improve diagnostic methods, and ensure quality control in brucellosis testing in camels.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. It can also spread via the consumption of contaminated animal products, such as milk and dairy products.

The programme shared knowledge among participants from CAMENET member countries, promoting regional collaboration, and presented the latest diagnostic techniques for early detection and containment of brucellosis.

Additionally, the training included best practices in quality control, aiming to improve overall diagnostic efficiency within laboratories.

The CAMENET network, which currently includes nine member countries, is a global scientific network dedicated to camel health and husbandry. Officially launched during the OIE Regional Commission’s annual meeting in Paris in May 2016, the network is managed by the Camel Disease Reference Centre, which is recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health.