On Monday, August 3, a camel at Reid Park Zoo was diagnosed with a bacterial infection (Corneybacterium pseduotuberculosis). In the interest of extreme caution to prevent any cross contamination with the Zoo’s collection, the camel ride operation has been closed temporarily. The camel is being treated aggressively with antibiotics, and all four camels will be kept under a strict quarantine.
The bacteria can been found around the world in horses, goats, cattle, and camels. It can be transmitted by insects or contaminated soil or feed, usually through direct contact with wounds or mucous membranes.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, only a few instances of human illness related to Corneybacterium pseduotuberculosis have been reported. Because human transmission is so rare, the Zoo’s veterinary staff says visitors and camel riders need not be concerned. The rest of the Zoo remains open.
The camels arrived in Tucson in November, 2014 and are owned by a private contractor.