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Alpacas are hardy animals and not prone to disease. Whilst they are relatively easy to care for, they are a valuable animal and should be looked after properly. You are unlikely to have to deal with foot-rot or fly strike and internal parasites are less of a problem. The normal rules of animal husbandry still apply and the animals should be well supplied with fodder, given shelter from cold winds and given a hands on check on a regular basis.
RICKETS
Crias which do not get sufficient sunlight in their first few months often
have low levels of Vitamin D. This is essential for phosphate utilization
needed for healthy bone growth. The signs are easily recognized: the cria
develops a round- backed posture, has obvious discomfort in moving and
tends to walk with a splay-legged gait. Vitamin D injections and possibly
phosphate supplements are needed.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
It is now well established that camelids are susceptible to this disease.
Although cases are relatively rare and transmission from one animal to
another has not been documented, nevertheless Tb is a serious issue, especially
in deer and cattle farming. AANZ has set up a procedure for testing and
reporting of camelid herd Tb status. The scheme is voluntary but all owners
are strongly recommended to take part.
POISONING
Alpacas whilst choosey eaters, are intensely curious animals and will
reach over fences to amazing distances to select the food of their choice.
Beware of the following:
Nightshade, Lilies, Solanums, Foxglove, Hemlock, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Inkweed, Oleanders, Willow-weed, Toot, Ragwort, Ngaio, Daytura, Jerusalem Cherry, Mallow, Buttercup, Yew & Laurel and Macrocarpa.
If in doubt pull it out.
FACIAL ECZEMA (FE)
Camelids are particularly sensitive to facial eczema. It is caused by
a mycotoxin-sporidesmin – produced by a fungus in the pasture. The
ingestion of the mycotoxin damages the liver and in sufficient quantities
is fatal. The occurrence of the fungus and its spores is restricted to
the warmer areas of the country and the summer and autumn periods. Camelid
owners living in areas where FE is known to be aproblem should either
get their vet to arrange for regular counts of spores or purchase equipment
to carry out spore counts themselves. Generally animals will show little
or no outward signs of the disease – be warned. The disease is controlled
by fungicide spraying or by supplementary feeding of zinc.
RYEGRASS STAGGERS
Most perennial rye-grass planted in New Zealand has been deliberately
infected with an organism known as endpphyte. This provides protection
from attack by the Argentine Stem Weevil which can destroy pasture. An
unfortunate side effect, the most serious as far as camelids are concerned
is ryegrass staggers. Infected ryegrass produces toxins which affect the
brain and the central nervous system of animals that ingest it. Symptoms
are unmistakable. The first signs are a perceptible tremor of the head
and neck followed by unstable gait, collapse and if no action is taken,
possible death. The outward signs can vary considerably from animal to
animal.
At the first sign of head tremor, the animal must be removed from the infected pasture immediately. Feed Lucerne or good quality no ryegrass hay and provide water. There are two products that are effective in removing the toxins from the animals system. Mycosorb and Biomoss are both derived from yeast and function by binding to the toxins and preventing their absorption in the digestive system.
Following is a set of PDF files that provide excellent information and advice on common alpaca health issues and problems. To view and download any file, simply click on the link provided. The file sizes are indicated.
BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) OF ALPACAS
Prepared by Education and Training Sub-committee of the Australian Alpaca Association.
Download here (234 kilobytes).
PARTURITION (BIRTH)
Prepared by Education and Training Sub-committee, Australian Alpaca Association.
Download here (233 kilobytes)
NZ ALPACA FIBRE CLASSING CHART
To be used in conjunction with the Alpaca Wool Colour Codes.
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Fibre Development Subcommittee, March 2004.
Download here (182 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - BIRTH, UNPACKING
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, Updated June 2006.
Diagram with compliments from Australian Alpaca Association, Photos by Alpaca Services Network.
Download here (229 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - HEALTH CHECKS
For regular checks and sick alpacas - systematic examination from nose to tail. Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, June 2006.
Download here (135 kilobytes)
See also the explanatory note by Jeannete Klomp, Chair Health & Education Subcommittee (July 2006).
PADDOCK CARD - FLOW CHART
For mildly symptomatic to very sick alpacas. (To be used with the Paddock Card “Health Checks”.) Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, July 2006.
Download here (107 kilobytes).
See also the explanatory note by Jeannete Klomp, Chair Health & Education Subcommittee (July 2006).
PADDOCK CARD - RYE GRASS STAGGERS
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, November 2003.
Download here (205 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - BODY SCORING
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, amended December 2005.
Diagrams with compliments of Australian Alpaca Association.
Download here (179 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - TEETH
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, June 2003.
Photos by Sherlyn Alpacas.
Download here (80 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - TREATMENTS
Standard vaccinations and preventative treatments.
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, April 2006.
Photos by Sherlyn Alpacas.
Download here (148 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - TOXIC PLANTS
This card is to assist with identification of toxic plants.
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, February 2004.
Photos and info: E Atkinson, J Klomp, NZ Weed and Pest Control Soc., Massey University, DG Hessayon, HE Connor.
Download here (775 kilobytes)
COMPILED FILE ON TOXIC PLANTS
Five-page guidelines for toxic plants in New Zealand.
Prepared by the Alpaca Association New Zealand, Health and Education Subcommittee, December 2003.
Download here (148 kilobytes)
BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS
Camelids (in this case alpaca and llama) are susceptible to Tb and as such the responsible option is to Tb test as required by the Voluntary AANZ Camelid Tb Control Scheme.
Prepared by the Health and Education Subcommittee, Updated 15 August 2006 by the Camelid Vet Group of the NZ.
Download here (142 kilobytes)
Also download Tb Scheme Guidelines for Movement of Alpacas for Mating Purposes
and Camelid Voluntary Tuberculosis Control Scheme (PDF, 220KB)
PADDOCK CARD - FACIAL ECZEMA
Publication from the Health & Education Subcommittee, June 2003, updated 15 August 2006 by Camelid Vet Group, branch of NZ Veterinary Association.
Download here (148 kilobytes)
PADDOCK CARD - NEONATALS
Publication from the Health & Education Subcommittee, 10 October 2007, Approved by the Camelid Branch of the NZ Vet Association.
Download here (121 kilobytes)