Promotion of Camelid Health for Enhanced Productivity and Well-Being of Communities

Camelids—including dromedaries, Bactrian camels, alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas—play an essential role in the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and high-altitude regions. Their contribution spans food security, transportation, wool production, environmental adaptation, and socio-cultural heritage. However, the performance and productivity of camelid populations remain below their potential, hindered by persistent health constraints, limited disease surveillance, and insufficient institutional support. Despite their expanding significance in traditional and emerging production systems, camelid health research continues to lag behind that of other livestock species. The epidemiology of infectious and parasitic diseases, the economic impacts of production losses, and the zoonotic risks at the human–animal–ecosystem interface remain inadequately elucidated, representing critical gaps in knowledge and practice.This Research Topic aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of camelid health by integrating epidemiological, economic, and One Health perspectives to enhance the well-being of both animals and the communities that depend on them. It seeks to encourage multidisciplinary approaches that evaluate the burden and distribution of major diseases, assess their financial implications for producers and markets, and design context-appropriate prevention and control strategies. The ultimate goal is to generate evidence-based interventions that improve animal health, increase productivity, and mitigate zoonotic and environmental threats. By fostering synergy between veterinary research, socio-economic analysis, and public policy, this initiative strives to support sustainable development across camelid-rearing regions worldwide.To gather further insights into camelid health and its broader implications, this Research Topic welcomes contributions that explore scientific, economic, and socio-political dimensions of disease management and productivity improvement. We invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Epidemiology and economic assessment of infectious, parasitic, and metabolic diseases in camelids• Emerging and re-emerging zoonoses with implications for One Health and food security• Disease surveillance, diagnostics, and modeling in remote and resource-limited camelid production systems• Nutritional, reproductive, and welfare management to optimize health and productivity• Socio-economic determinants and policy frameworks influencing camelid sector development• Integrative approaches linking veterinary science, public health, and environmental sustainability• Community participation and indigenous knowledge in camelid health management Topic editors: Yaghouba Kane, Cheikh Ly, François Elvinger, Mario Younan, Jaouad Berrada Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81054/promotion-of-camelid-health-for-enhanced-productivity-and-well-being-of-communities