Tests Prove Limitations of Deworming Drugs for Camelids

Many llamas and alpacas suffer from sometimes fatal worm-related illnesses because they receive ineffective doses of dewormer medications that are based on doses given to other species, such as sheep and cattle. Researchers from the University of Georgia tested two drugs, moxidectin and morantel tartrate, on an alpaca farm in Georgia and found that injectable moxidectin is less suitable for treatment of camelid worms than oral moxidectin. Further, the research identified the limitations of morantel tartrate as a sole therapeutic agent. This research will enable owners and veterinarians to make more informed decisions when deworming... Read more.

Posted by MAF on July 8, 2011 

Categories: Animal health, Animal studies, Llama health

Research in Action

Alpacas can suffer from bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, peritonitis, sepsis and uterine and dental infection, that require long-term antibiotic therapy; however, there is currently a lack of information about effective drugs to treat these infections. A study conducted by Dr. Daniela Bedenice, at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, is evaluating two formulations of florfenicol (commercial names Nuflor and Nuflor Gold), which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that could potentially be useful in alpacas. Dr. Bedenice says, “This study will not only allow us to compare two... Read more.

Posted by MAF on June 7, 2011 

Categories: Animal health, Animal welfare

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

Preventing 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

Safe 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