The European Association of Dromedaries and Camel Keepers (ECROA; ecroa.org) organizes training courses for dromedaries and camel keepers in various places in Europe. Below is the training curriculum. For information, please send an e-mail to info@ecroa.org.
1. General information
Name of the programme: Skilled Holder of Dromedaries Level: mbo3/4 (professional certificate) Duration: 4 days of theory, 2 days of practice, final test Target group: holders of dromedaries, supervisors, animal caretakers, entrepreneurs in small-scale farming Purpose of the training: The demonstrable acquisition of knowledge and skills that are necessary for keeping dromedaries within the Netherlands responsible, safe and legally compliant.
2. Legal framework and positioning
The training is based on:
- Animals Act
- Animal Keepers Decree
- Husbandry Guidelines for Dromedaries (EZNC)
- Dromedary risk assessment (Circumstance 4)
- NVWA supervisory frameworks
The training provides the knowledge requirements necessary for keeping an animal at risk, including safety, welfare, health care and business operations.
3. Learning objectives
3.1 Knowledge
After completion, the participant has demonstrable knowledge of:
- Relevant laws and regulations for keeping dromedaries
- Anatomy, physiology and species-specific needs
- behaviour, stress signals, aggression and safety risks
- Housing requirements, climate needs and environmental management
- nutrition, water management and ration composition
- healthcare, zoonoses (incl. MERS), prevention and monitoring
- business operations, administration and daily care structure
3.2 Skills
The participant can:
- Safely approaching, handling and caring for dromedaries
- assessing housing and drawing up an improvement plan
- Calculating rations and recognizing nutritional problems
- identifying health problems and applying basic care
- Draw up a business plan in accordance with legal requirements
- adequately manage incidents and risk situations
3.3 Competencies
The participant shows:
- Professional and safe trading
- compliance with legal obligations
- Responsible animal-oriented work
- Adequate risk management
4. Program structure
Module 1 – Legislation and Risk Assessment (Circumstance 4)
Contents: Animals Act, Animal Keepers Decree, husbandry guidelines, NVWA frameworks, risk assessment of the dromedary, identification & registration, transport rules. Learning outcome: The participant is able to apply legal requirements correctly and substantiate risks.
Module 2 – Anatomy, Physiology and Biology
Contents: construction, movement, thermoregulation, digestion, reproduction, life stages. Learning outcome: The participant recognizes abnormalities and understands physiological needs.
Module 3 – Behaviour, Stress and Safety
Contents: social structures, aggression, oestrus behaviour, stress signals, safe handling, emergency procedures. Practice: supervised handling exercises. Learning outcome: The participant works safely and recognizes risk behavior.
Module 4 – Housing and Environmental Management
Contents: minimum surface areas, fencing requirements, soils, shelters, climate control, enrichment, hygiene. Assignment: housing plan. Learning outcome: The participant can assess and design housing.
Module 5 – Nutrition and Water Management
Contents: roughage, concentrates, minerals, water requirements, ration calculation, nutritional problems. Assignment: ration calculation. Learning outcome: The participant draws up a responsible ration
Module 6 – Health, Zoonoses and Basic Veterinary Care
Contents: disorders, parasites, vaccinations, MERS risks, wound care, hoof care, quarantine. Practice: measuring vital signs, basic care. Learning outcome: The participant identifies health problems and acts appropriately.
Module 7 – Business Operations and Daily Routine
Content: daily planning, administration, cost estimate, logistics, transport, insurance, communication with veterinarian/NVWA. Assignment: business plan. Learning outcome: The participant is able to draw up a responsible business model.
Module 8 – Practical Internship (recommended)
Duration: 1–2 days Location: recognized camelid farm Learning outcome: The participant performs daily tasks and observes behavior in practical situations.
5. Testing and certification
5.1 Theory exam
Topics: legislation, behavior, nutrition, health, housing. Form: multiple choice + open questions + case.
5.2 Practical examination
Topics: handling, care, safety, assessment of housing. Form: practical assessment on location.
5.3 Portfolio components
- Housing plan
- Ration calculation
- Business Plan
- internship report (if applicable)
5.4 Certificate
- If the result is satisfactory, the participant will receive: Certificate of Competent Keeper of Dromedaries This certificate serves as proof of professional competence for husbandry supervision and permit applications.
6. Requirements for trainer / examination body
- Demonstrable expertise in camelid husbandry
- Practice location with dromedaries and safe infrastructure
- examiners with relevant professional qualifications
- compliance with quality assurance (e.g. NRTO, internal audit)
- safe learning environment in accordance with health and safety guidelines
7. Documentation and Resources
- Animals Act
- Animal Keepers Decree
- Dromedary Husbandry Guidelines (EZNC)
- NVWA Supervision Documents
- Camelids Veterinary Protocols (University Veterinary Medicine)
8. Appendix: Overview of learning hours
| Part | Hours |
| Theory | 28 hours |
| Practice | 12 hours |
| Self-study | 10 hours |
| Assessment method | 4 hours |
| Total | 54 hours |