An Overview of Camelids in the United States. Patrick Long DVM Camelid Healthcare Services Corvallis Oregon

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1 An Overview of Camelids in the United States Patrick Long DVM Camelid Healthcare Services Corvallis Oregon

2 Camelids in US My perceptions of the industry as a practicing veterinarian working with camelids since I have worked closely with the owners association for the past several years and participated in several imports to the US and a recent export to Japan.

3 Camelids Ask questions if I speak to quickly or something is not clear. Feel free to cut me off as needed!

4 Goals Introduction to Camelid Evolution Overview of Camelids in the US Diseases/conditions of concern to US producers

5 Origins Origins in North America 11-9 million years ago. 3 million years ago, migration occurred across the Siberian land bridge camels Migration south across the Panama Isthmus resulted in South American camelids.

6 Spanish Conquest Effects South American Camelids (SAC) domesticated approximately 6,000 years ago Widespread thru all of South America Pre Inca cultures started domestication process but perfected by the Inca empire Spanish conquest of South America decimated the SAC and native people

7 The Camelidae Family Camelus dromedarius Vicugna pacos Lama glama Camelus bactrianus Vicugna vicugna Lama guanacoe

10 Camelids in US Alpaca numbers 300,000 Llama numbers--- apx. 125,000 Not all llamas and alpacas are registered so this is a bit of an educated guess. 94 million cattle 5.32 million sheep 2.62 million goats

15 Bottlenecks Spanish conquest in 1532 resulted in 90% loss of all camelids in South America. Native people were decimated and much of the knowledge of raising camelids was loss. Camelids were forced into the highlands where sheep did not do well.

20 South American numbers Approximately 6.5 million llamas and alpacas in South America Reported that 85 % are owned by small farms with flocks of Large cooperatives can have over 40,000 alpacas located on several farms

25 Southern Peru

28 Congenital Defects SAC known for high percentage of congenital defects. Many are observed at birth: choanal atresia atresia ani heart defects Some not obvious till older: reproductive anomalies

29 age81 Cria Care

32 Camelids in US Most farms in the US are single species farms. Most alpaca farms have no other livestock species thus limiting spread of certain diseases. Many llama farms are more hobby farms multiple species. Farm sanctuaries exist with multiple species at times. Show circuit is large with alpacas regional and national shows may have over 1500 animals present. Great potential for horizontal transmission.

33 Concerns of US producers Following list (in no particular order) are concerns facing US producers

34 Parasites Internal---Nematodes, Trematodes, coccidia External Mites--- Chorioptic, Psorotic, Demodex

36 Camelid Parasites Many sources of general information on parasites are available. While not specific to alpacas or llamas, a very useful site is (sheepandgoat.com). Another good website is wormx.info (American consortium for small ruminant parasite control) Parasites are common in large animals, it is probably not realistic to expect that we will eliminate, but we should control them with medications and management.

37 Resistant GIN Early studies indicate there are resistant Gastrointestinal nematode parasites Probably linked to P. tenuis control strategies and overuse and misuse of deworming products.

38 Parasite control Strategic deworming Strategies: Do not feed hay on ground Keep feces cleaned off ground Do not overstock pastures Rotational grazing Deworm at appropriate time of year

39 Parasite Control Where do I start? Fecal Samples 10 animals or 10% of herd, which ever is more. Fecal Sample days post deworming to determine potential resistance. Ask what type of fecal test is being done. float vs. McMasters vs. sugar floatation Management must be discussed!

40 Parasites Haemonchus contortus is a major concern for camelid owners. Resistance to most classes of anthelmentics has been demonstrated on some farms. Treatment with the ivermectin class for prevention of P. tenuis is one contributing cause.

41 Discussion points Wormx.info and sheepandgoat.com If you have a parasite problem on your farm you cannot de-worm you way out You must change some management to prevent re-infestation Healthy animals are more resistant to parasitism

42 Coccidiosis Small coccidia---common Large coccidia-e mac.---emerging problem due to increased pathogenicity and long pre-patent period. Current research includes development of an Elisa and PCR tests for early detection of E. mac.

43 Coccidia of camelids

44 Giardia and Cryptosporidum Both organisms isolated from animals with diarrhea. Cryptosporidium---recent report links cases in alpacas and cases in farm workers and veterinary students Giardia reported as cause of neonatal diarrhea

45 TB M. bovis isolated in England and Ireland M. microti isolated in Switzerland Appears to connected to cattle and badgers in England and Ireland New serologic tests are now available Intradermal test not effective in Switzerland for M. microtii or in Ireland for M. bovis.

46 Bluetounge Sporadic cases reported in US BTV8 has been a concern in Europe, with fatal case/cases reported. Vaccine trials have been completed in alpacas in England (Bovilis BTV8-Intervet) and has been shown to produce antibodies after 2 doses of the vaccines.

47 EEE Previous reports from East Coast several years ago Vaccine study has been done no adverse events and antibody response demonstrated, but no challenge studies have been done.

48 West Nile Virus Recent history few reported cases in camelids. Several cases reported in early 2000 s Several studies have been done vaccine needs to be used differently than recommendations for horses. Most animals will develop antibody response. Not widely used in industry

49 Johnes disease Incidence/ Concern? Several reported cases in Australia

50 Coronavirus Common cause of diarrhea in neonates and post show animals May be responsible for snots or upper respiratory disease seen a few years ago after shows. MERS Middle East Respiratory Disease can affect llamas experimentally but no naturally occurring cases reported

51 Corona Virus Completed Research: UC Davis: Investigation of a Novel Respiratory Coronavirus in Alpacas: Diagnostic Test Development and Initial Prevalence Assessment Beate Crossley Initial Study by Dr. Crossley Characterization and Id of Novel Coronavirus.

52 BVDV Many cases of PI crias reported Most cases are one serotype Appears to be horizontal spread Active surveillance by owners and Breed group Owners are becoming less vigilant, so may become a larger issue Low incidence/high impact problem for Owners

53 BVDV Research Sequencing BVDV strains Dr. John Neill Ames Iowa, National Animal Disease Center Experimental Exposure of naïve Alpacas to BVDV virues 1a,1b and 2 Jason Johnson, Auburn University

54 Prion Disease Prion Disease was recently described in a Camel in Algeria To my knowledge, no prion diseases have been described in llamas and alpacas

55 Equine Rhinopneumonitis Camelids are susceptible Not aware of recent cases Current situation in horses could pose a risk for camelids.

56 Mycoplasma haemolamae Formally called Eperythrozoonosis Incidence reports of apx 20% in Switzerland, US and South America Probably a 2ndary concurrent problem Anemia can be striking PCR is best way to diagnosis Current research funded by MAF and Alpaca Research Foundation

57 Strep equi sp Zooepidemicus Known as alpaca fever Sporadic reports and one herd outbreak Fever, depression, anorexia Systemic infection can involve lungs, and serosal surfaces of thoracic and abdominal cavities.

58 Miscellaneous Brucellosis FMD Chorioptes Mites MCF Tick Borne diseases Alpacas could be a reservoir but are not checked extensively no recognized problems at this point

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