Veterinarija ir Zootechnika

Abortions represent a major challenge for dromedary breeding in Algeria due to their economic, sanitary, and zoonotic implications. A cross-sectional study was conducted in El Oued province (southeastern Algeria) between 2022 and 2025 to investigate reproductive losses and associated risk factors in dromedary herds. The survey included 75 herds comprising 4460 females. Overall, 80% of the surveyed herds reported abortion cases. Among the affected herds, 8.3% (5/60) showed high abortion rates, 40% (24/60) frequent abortions, and 51.7% (31/60) sporadic cases. Stillbirths were also reported in 60% of these herds. Abortion rates ranged from 8.5% to 11.1% in primiparous females and from 9.3% to 10.3% in multiparous females. Most abortions (90%) occurred during mid to late gestation, with a seasonal peak between August and November. Most breeders (88.3%) buried aborted fetuses and placentas, whereas 10% discarded them in the open environment and 1.7% used incineration. Following abortion events, 75% of breeders took no specific action, while only 25% sought veterinary assistance. Among the investigated risk factors, only the presence of domestic cats and dogs was significantly associated with abortion occurrence (P < 0.05). This study highlights a high frequency of abortions in Algerian dromedaries, accompanied by a notable proportion of stillbirths. To better elucidate the underlying etiological determinants as well as the associated risk factors, further studies combining epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and laboratory diagnostic approaches are required.