Camel Susceptibility to Disease: Genetic Drivers

This chapter explores how camel genetic diversity and immunogenetic adaptations influence susceptibility to zoonotic diseases and reservoir potential. It reviews camel evolution, domestication, and hybridization and examines key immune features linked to host–pathogen interactions, including responses to MERS-CoV and other zoonotic agents. The chapter also considers how behavior, pastoralist systems, environmental stressors, and human–camel contact shape disease dynamics. Finally, it highlights the importance of genomics for camel conservation, disease surveillance, selective breeding, and One Health strategies.