Llamas & Alpacas
Markers to Help Trace Genetic Defects
Study Results:
In this new age of genetics, genome maps are being developed to more rapidly advance diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases in animals. The alpaca is no exception. Thanks to Morris Animal Foundation funding and generous support from the llama and alpaca community, there is now a complete genome map for the alpaca. Through prior and current funding, scientists from Curtin University in Australia identified 249 important genetic markers and provided many... Read more.
Posted by MAF on February 2, 2010
Categories: Animal health, Llama health
PermalinkPreventing Worm-Related Illnesses and Deaths in Camelids
Study results:
Gastrointestinal parasites are a leading cause of disease in llamas and alpacas. Resistance to de-wormer medications is thought to be prevalent, making worm-related illnesses, such as anemia and deaths, an increasing problem. With MAF funding, scientists studied hundreds of llamas and alpacas in the southeastern states and determined there is a very high prevalence of worm populations resistant to current medications. They also... Read more.
Posted by MAF on August 20, 2009
Categories: Animal health, Llama health
PermalinkSafe and Effective Pain Relief Tailored for Llamas and Alpacas
MAF Successful Outcome:
Llamas and alpacas have grown in popularity in the United States, and so has the demand for veterinary services for these animals. Unfortunately, no drugs are currently approved for treating pain in llamas. Instead, dosage regimens are extrapolated from those for other large animals. However, because each species metabolizes drugs very differently, extrapolating dosing information can have serious adverse side effects. Scientists... Read more.
Posted by MAF on August 19, 2009
Categories: Animal health, Llama health
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