Understanding ADAFSA's Pivotal Role in Camel Research

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) stands at the forefront of agricultural innovation in the United Arab Emirates, with its dedicated efforts in camel research marking a significant milestone in global veterinary science. Camels, particularly dromedaries, play a crucial cultural, economic, and nutritional role in the UAE, contributing to sectors like dairy production, racing, and meat supply. ADAFSA's initiatives ensure the health and productivity of these vital animals through cutting-edge research and diagnostics.

Established to safeguard food security and animal welfare, ADAFSA has evolved into a global hub for camel disease studies. Its laboratories employ advanced molecular techniques, including whole-genome sequencing, to identify pathogens and develop targeted interventions. This commitment has positioned the UAE as a leader in addressing zoonotic threats from camels, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which originates primarily in dromedary camels.

The WOAH Collaborating Centre: A Cornerstone of Excellence

In 2022, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) designated ADAFSA's veterinary laboratories as the Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, the first of its kind worldwide. This prestigious status underscores the centre's expertise in diagnosis, research, and training for camel-specific pathologies. The centre has since published over 30 peer-reviewed papers, an atlas of camel diseases, and a specialised reference book, solidifying its influence.

From a One Health perspective—integrating animal, human, and environmental health—the centre's work mitigates risks like brucellosis and MERS-CoV transmission. It has conducted whole-genome sequencing on 50 pathogens, enabling precise virulence profiling and policy recommendations for biosecurity.

Breakthrough Publications in Prestigious Journals

ADAFSA researchers have consistently contributed to high-impact journals, enhancing global knowledge on camel health. A landmark study, 'Isolation and genetic characterization of MERS-CoV from dromedary camels,' published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, isolated the virus from nasal swabs and analyzed mutations, approved by ADAFSA's ethics committee.

• Pathology and molecular studies on caseous lymphadenitis in camels (PLoS One, 2021): Identified Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis via 16S rRNA sequencing.
• Brucella infections in camels and abattoir workers (Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2025): Estimated seroprevalence and zoonotic risks.
• Epidemiology of MERS-CoV in UAE camels (Viruses, 2024): Simulated disease spread and control strategies based on camel age groups.

These publications, often open-access via PubMed Central, provide actionable data for veterinarians worldwide.

Recent Twinning Programme with Mongolia: Elevating Global Standards

In a landmark endorsement on January 28, 2026, WOAH approved ADAFSA's three-year scientific twinning with Mongolia's State Central Veterinary Laboratory (SCVL). The programme aims to transform SCVL into a regional reference for camel diseases, focusing on diagnostics, epidemiology, and capacity building. Findings from initial assessments were published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the CDC's journal, highlighting ADAFSA's diagnostic prowess.

This initiative builds on prior successes, like aiding Ethiopia in 2025 to detect Wesselsbron virus causing camel mortality through PCR and phylogenetic analysis. Such collaborations extend UAE expertise across Asia and Africa, fostering resilient livestock systems.

Photo by Mohamed Hashif on Unsplash

Technological Innovations Driving Research Forward

ADAFSA's labs pioneer multiplex PCR, next-generation sequencing, and proficiency testing—earning ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation in July 2025, the world's first for camel diseases. These tools enable rapid outbreak detection, as seen in prion disease studies and tick-borne hemoparasites research.

For instance, molecular detection of Wesselsbron virus in Ethiopian camels involved field sampling, lab confirmation, and global reporting, preventing wider spread. Learn more on ADAFSA's site.

Training and Capacity Building: Nurturing Future Experts

The centre trains international veterinarians and UAE students—47 from local institutions in 2023 alone—on brucellosis diagnosis and advanced techniques. Programmes like the November 2024 camel brucellosis workshop enhance lab standards regionally.

This aligns with UAE's vision for knowledge transfer, preparing researchers for careers in veterinary science. Aspiring professionals can explore research jobs or tips for academic CVs on AcademicJobs.com.

One Health Impacts: Protecting Humans and Ecosystems

ADAFSA's peer-reviewed work addresses zoonoses, with MERS-CoV studies revealing strain-specific mutations critical for vaccine development. Prevalence surveys on paratuberculosis across species inform integrated health strategies.

UAE's Economic and Cultural Stakes in Camel Health

Camels represent 10-15% of UAE livestock value, with racing generating billions annually. ADAFSA's research safeguards this heritage while boosting exports. Cultural events like World Camel Day (June 22) highlight these efforts.

Stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, benefit from evidence-based policies. Read the MERS-CoV paper.

Photo by JIBIN SAMUEL on Unsplash

Collaborations with Academia and International Bodies

ADAFSA partners with UAE universities for student training and joint studies, fostering higher education in agribusiness. Internationally, WOAH, ILRI, and Ethiopian ministries amplify impact. Researchers eyeing research assistant jobs find opportunities here.

Future Outlook: Sustaining Global Leadership

Upcoming: Expanded twinning, AI-driven epidemiology, and PPR workshops. ADAFSA aims for more publications and accreditations, ensuring UAE leads camel health innovation. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice, rate my professor, or higher ed jobs.

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