1. Biosecurity for Camelids

2. Biosecurity for Camelids • Purpose: prevent introduction & spread of disease in a herd or population. • Increased owner awareness due to BVD concerns • Alpaca industry now requires negative BVD test for entry into AOBA sanctioned shows • Commercial transporters require negative BVD test • Owners encouraged to have suspect animals tested and to cull any that are confirmed PI

3. Biosecurity for Camelids • Biosecurity is part of total farm management • New arrivals or visitors for outside breeding must be quarantined – 30 days recommended • Bacterial/viral prepatent period is 14-21 days on average • Parasites/coccidia prepatent period is 3-6 weeks Deworm females 10-14 days prior to breeding Follow-up fecal 14 days after breeding • Never commingle visiting animals with farm’s own pregnant females

4. Biosecurity for Camelids Quarantine area should have: • Shelter • Fenced pasture • Water source • Separate tack • Feeders and waterers that can be disinfected S. Bramblett

5. Biosecurity for Camelids • Quarantine area should be located away from the main herd; no shared fence lines • Keep pair of boots or shoes for use at the quarantine area only • Prompt removal of dung to control flies/mosquitoes and any runoff • Quarantine facility chores should be done last B. Fredericksen

6. Biosecurity for Camelids Farm visitors: • Keep a log of visitors – what other farms have they visited? • Provide shoes/boots for them to wear in animal areas • Require hand washing before & after seeing the animals • Do not allow general public access to the herd • Make appointments for future visits for serious buyers • Keep gates locked

7. Biosecurity for Camelids At shows/sales: • Do not use communal dung piles • Stall area should be under observation at all times • Do not walk camelids in areas used by other species • Do not encourage spectators to feed animals • Quarantine for 14-21 days upon returning home D. Goodyear

8. Questions or Comments? J. Wells 2007