- Camelids are induced (reflex) ovulators. We have recently documented the presence of an ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in the seminal plasma of alpacas and llamas. The objective was to test the hypothesis that OIF exerts its effect via a systemic rather than a local route and that endometrial curettage will enhance the ovulatory response to intrauterine deposition of seminal plasma in alpacas. more »
- Bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) has recently been identified as an important infectious disease of new world camelids (NWC) particularly alpacas. Both sub-genotypes 1a, 1b and genotype 2 have been isolated. However, non-cytopathic BVDV 1b is reported to be primarily implicated in cases of BVDV in NWC's. Although suspected a BVDV strain unique to camelids have not been isolated. The most important source of BVDV is the immuno-tolerant persistently infected cria. Natural transient infection of BVDV in NWCs is reported to go almost undetected except for vague signs of illness, including lethargy and anorexia. Diarrhea does not appear to be a constant finding. Embryonal/fetal disease in NWC's includes early pregnancy loss, abortion and premature birth or the birth of persistently infected crias. Persistently infected disease can occur in both acute and chronic forms. In NWCs the chronic form of the condition is most commonly reported. Signs include chronic ill-thrift, poor weight gain or being underweight, intermittent illness, chronic diarrhea, joint swelling and episodes of nasal discharge and pneumonia despite antibiotic treatment. The mortality rate in NWCs appears to be close to 100%. Seroprevalence of BVDV in NWCs ranged from 2.05% to 11.11% however the possibility that the correct (homologous) BVDV strain is not being used in serological assays need to be considered. The importance of cattle as a source of BVDV for camelids is unclear although there is consensus of a spill-over from cattle to NWC's. Assays available for BVDV in cattle appear to work for camelids. An antigen ELISA which is the usual method for detecting BVD in cattle has not been validated in NWC's. more »
- Sera from more than 100 alpacas (Lama pacos) from the Peruvian southern sierra were examined for antibodies to 8 viruses known to infect other domestic animals. On the basis of these serologic findings and previously published serologic or clinical data, it is now known that the alpaca can be infected with the following viruses: parainfluenza-3, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine herpesvirus-1, bluetongue virus, border disease virus, influenza A virus, rotavirus, rabies virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, and contagious ecthyma virus. more »
- Clinical Findings—In addition to pyrexia and clinical signs of disease of the upper portion of the respiratory tract, the cria had inappetence and was in an unthrifty condition. Hematologic abnormalities included low WBC count, low hemoglobin concentration, and low PCV. Samples of blood were submitted for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolation and serologic evaluation. Other adults and newborn crias in the herd were similarly examined. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was detected in the cria, and a diagnosis of persistent infection with BVDV was made at 5.5 months of age. Persistent BVDV infection was suspected in another cria born into the herd but was not identified in any of the adult alpacas. Treatment and Outcome—Despite several treatments with antimicrobials, no permanent improvement of the cria's condition was achieved. Because of the poor prognosis, the owners requested euthanasia of the cria; BVDV was isolated from specimens of multiple organs collected at necropsy. Clinical Relevance—To date, BVDV infection in New World camelids has not been regarded as a major disease entity. Findings in the cria of this report illustrate that some strains of BVDV readily infect alpacas. Clinical description of the disease plus clinicopathologic findings suggest that persistent BVDV infection may be greatly overlooked as a cause of chronic anemia and failure to thrive in alpacas. more »
- In discussions with alpaca breeders the world over it is often that lifestyle is quoted as the reason they first purchased alpacas. For most it is an idyllic choice. However for everyone with alpacas there comes a point when decisions need to be made: How to move on the alpacas we no longer necessary in their breeding programs? How to finance those matings or new animals that we would like to buy? How to realise a return on the investment already made? more »