Llama and Alpaca Care. Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Nutrition, and Herd Health

833 Pages·2013·275.17 MB·English

by  Chris Cebra

Llama
and
Alpaca Care
Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Nutrition, and Herd Health
First Edition
Christopher Cebra, VMD, MS, DACVIM
Professor
Large Animal Internal Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
David E. Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVS
Professor and Head, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Ahmed Tibary, DMV, DSc, PhD, DACT
Professor, Comparative Theriogenology (Equine, Camelid,
Ruminants)
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, DACVN
Professor and Extension Veterinarian
Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences
College of Agricultural Sciences
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
LaRue W. Johnson, DVM, PhD
Professor Emeritus
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Elsevier
3251 Riverport Lane
St. Louis, MO 63043
LLAMA AND ALPACA CARE: MEDICINE, SURGERY, REPRODUCTION, NUTRITION AND HERD
HEALTH,
EDITION 1
978-1-4377-2352-6
Copyright © 2014 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 7: “Camelid Management, Handling Techniques and Facilities, and Herd Management”
by Marty McGee Bennett. Marty McGee Bennett retains copyright to her contribution.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
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Notice
Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experi-
ence broaden our knowledge, changes in practice, treatment and drug therapy may become
necessary or appropriate. Readers are advised to check the most current information provided
(i) on procedures featured or (ii) by the manufacturer of each product to be administered, to
verify the recommended dose or formula, the method and duration of administration, and
contraindications. It is the responsibility of the practitioner, relying on their own experience
and knowledge of the patient, to make diagnoses, to determine dosages and the best treatment
for each individual patient, and to take all appropriate safety precautions. To the fullest extent
of the law, neither the Publisher nor the Editor assumes any liability for any injury and/or
damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of the material contained
in this book.
The Publisher
ISBN: 978-1-4377-2352-6
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Llama and alpaca care : medicine, surgery, reproduction, nutrition, and herd health / [edited by]
Christopher Cebra, David E. Anderson, Ahmed Tibary, Robert J. Van Saun, LaRue W. Johnson.—
First edition.
p. ; cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-1-4377-2352-6 (hardcover : alk. paper)
I. Cebra, Christopher, author, editor of compilation. II. Anderson, David E. (Veterinarian),
author, editor of compilation. III. Tibary, A. (Ahmed), author, editor of compilation.
IV. Van Saun, Robert J., author, editor of compilation. V. Johnson, LaRue W., author, editor of
compilation.
[DNLM: 1. Animal Diseases. 2. Camelids, New World. 3. Animal Husbandry–methods.
4. Veterinary Medicine–methods. SF 997.5.C3]
SF981
636.089′6–dc23
2013040746
Vice President and Publisher: Linda Duncan
Content Strategy Director: Penny Rudolph
Content Development Specialist: Brandi Graham
Associate Content Development Specialist: Katie Starke
Content Coordinator: Katie Gutierrez
Publishing Services Manager: Catherine Jackson
Project Manager: Sara Alsup
Designer: Brian Salisbury
Printed in Canada
Last digit is the print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
We have been fortunate to be involved in camelid health care during a time of
rapid progress. New diseases have been discovered, the basics of physiology and
anatomy have been clarified, and medical and surgical experiences have pro-
gressed in many cases from the anecdote to the rule of thumb. We hope that
some small piece of this progress has been due to our activities, and also wish to
tip our hats to all the veterinarians, owners, enthusiasts, and their animals who
have contributed to this progress. We hope this book does them justice.
Writing this book was a major endeavor. I wish to thank my wife Margaret,
and children Brian, Christopher, and Mary for their patience and support that
made it and all other good things possible.
Christopher Cebra
This textbook is dedicated to my family: Lane, John, and Jacob. Their love,
support, and patience make all things possible.
David E. Anderson
This book is dedicated to my families in Morocco and Minnesota. To my wife
Brigitte for her support. To all who encouraged me to pursue ideas when many
said it is not possible. To all who love to share their clinical knowledge through
books.
Ahmed Tibary
To my ever supportive and patient wife, Nancy, and two sons, William and
Benjamin, as they are endlessly supportive of my endeavors and provide the
needed encouragement. To all my colleagues that have guided and encouraged
my foray into the world of camelids, and all of those special owners who have
asked the questions and greatly appreciated the efforts on their animals’ behalf.
Robert J. Van Saun
While there are countless individuals that have influenced my camelid veterinary
career, most notably Murray Fowler, Stan Ebel, Bobra Goldsmith and my wife
Mary deserve dedication of the Herd Health section of this book.
LaRue W. Johnson
Preface
Why Is This Book Important? This section of the book discusses disorders of the skin,
cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, urinary, and gastroin-
Over the last 40 years, alpacas, llamas, and their wild cousins testinal systems as well as metabolic and neonatal disorders.
have gone from being regionally important species in their Part Six, Anesthesia and Analgesia, delivers the latest infor-
native lands, with the occasional exception at a zoo or wildlife mation on pharmacokinetics of anesthetic drugs, chemical
park, to being productive herd animals and beloved pets restraint, injectable and inhalation anesthesia, neuroanesthe-
throughout the world. Their numeric and geographic spread sia, and pain management. Part Seven, Surgical Disorders, dis-
has also led to a tremendous accumulation of clinical observa- cusses a variety of surgical procedures and is organized by
tions and evidence-based medicine, and to a substantial body body system. Coverage includes ocular, gastrointestinal, mus-
of owners, managers, and veterinarians determined to provide culoskeletal, urogenital, reproductive, and minimally invasive
quality health care for them. Llama and Alpaca Care is designed surgeries.
to provide those individuals with the information they need
to provide this care. Acknowledgments
The growth of camelid health information extends into all
health disciplines, so we have called upon experts in a variety For many years, I have included the following list in some of
of specialties to provide their input, making this a true multi- my presentations:
authored text. We have reviewed the world literature, meeting Many veterinarians find working on sick camelids to be
proceedings, and the personal experiences of scores of owners frustrating. The reasons for this include:
and veterinarians to provide the most comprehensive, up-to- 1) The veterinarians are unfamiliar with common camelid
date text possible. Primary care veterinarians who see the occa- disorders.
sional alpaca or llama experts or specialists, herd managers, 2) There is a paucity of reference material.
researchers, veterinary students, and enthusiasts all should 3) Physical examination findings are usually unimpressive
find this book to be an essential tool. or non-specific (anorexia, weakness).
This text is designed be user-friendly and complete. It 4) Clinical pathology test results are usually unimpressive or
covers all aspects of management and health care, from basic non-specific (anemia, hypokalemia, hypoproteinemia).
management and nutrition of camelids to state-of-the-art 5) Treatment modalities used in other species appear to be
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Descriptions of less effective in camelids.
common medical, surgical, and reproductive procedures 6) Necropsies often yield little to no enlightenment.
appear throughout the textbook, enhanced by photographs, Whereas all these reasons are valid, the purpose of this
diagrams, and charts. In-depth discussions provide more book is to alleviate them to some degree. A group of very
detailed information. involved veterinarians and myself strove to present as much
information as possible on disorders of camelids, how to
Organization recognize them, and how to treat them, in as convenient a
format as possible. My hope is that this will lessen everyone’s
Llama and Alpaca Care covers all major body systems, herd frustration and lead to better health care for these species.
health, physical examination, nutrition, anesthesia, and mul- As an individual, I feel fortunate to have been involved in
tisystem diseases. The text is divided into seven parts. Part One, camelid health care during a time of rapid progress. New
Herd Health, covers topics ranging from handling techniques diseases have been discovered, the basics of physiology and
and vaccinations to biosecurity and protecting the herd from anatomy have been clarified, and medical and surgical experi-
predators. Part Two, Nutrition, provides the latest information ences have progressed in many cases from the anecdote to the
on nutritional requirements and discusses feeding manage- rule of thumb. I hope that some small piece of this progress
ment systems and feeding behavior. Part Three, Reproduction, has been due to my activities, and also wish to tip my hat to
conveys a wide array of information ranging from breeding all the veterinarians, owners, enthusiasts, and their animals
management and lactation to infertility and embryo transfer. who have contributed to this progress. I hope this book does
Part Four, Principles of Health Care, discusses physical exami- them justice.
nations as well as fluid and drug therapy for camelids. Part Writing it would not have been possible without the hard
Five, Medical Disorders, is organized by body system with work and perseverance of my co-authors and co-editors and
emphasis on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. the team at Elsevier. Dropping the ball is easy to do; it takes
iv
Preface v
a team to keep it rolling. I also wish to thank my wife, Mar- contribution in building a referral center for camelid repro-
garet, and children Brian, Christopher, and Mary for their ductive medicine and surgery.
patience and support that made it and all other good things I also offer my sincere thanks to all the practitioners who
possible. shared their cases with us through referral, to the Alpaca
Research Foundation and to the Alpaca Owner and Breeder
Christopher Cebra Association and their numerous affiliates for their support.
Finally, I would like to thank the editorial team at Elsevier
and my fellow editors for their perseverance and support from
This textbook is made possible by the excellence of the conception to delivery of this project.
many veterinarians and scientists who built the foundations
of what we know. I am grateful to those whose mentorship, Ahmed Tibary
friendship, and generosity helped me in times of need.
Although there are a great many people who have influenced
my life, I would specifically thank those who helped me early My introduction to the camelid species is an often described
on to develop my knowledge and skills with camelids: Drs. calamity that makes one would wonder why I continued or
LaRue W. Johnson, Murray Fowler, David Pugh, Norman was allowed to work with these great creatures. However, my
Evans, Brad Smith, Guy St-Jean, Jane Vaughan, Walter Bravo, second introduction with the tremendous support of Drs.
Chris Cebra, Ahmed Tibary, Robert Van Saun, and Toni Cotton. Bradford Smith, Karen Timm, and Patrick Long during my
I would also thank the tremendous influence of the many tenure at Oregon State University was the needed platform to
great veterinarians and scientists in South America, such as Dr. culture my interest in applying ruminant nutritional princi-
Julio Sumar, who motivated us to achieve lofty goals and set ples to this uniquely adapted species. I greatly appreciate the
high standards. Finally, I would like to thank the many camelid support and learning experiences afforded by many colleagues
owners who joined me in the campaign to learn all that we over the years as I progressed in my camelid endeavors. Also
could from these marvelous animals. We still have much to there were many owners that provided much support and
learn, but I will never forget the friendship and warmth of interests in my efforts on the behalf of their animals. I greatly
Libby and Jerry Forstner, Tripp Forstner, Barb Baker, and Jack appreciate the unending efforts of all the contributing authors
and Donna Moore as we set out together on this great journey. to this long-needed reference text.
David E. Anderson Robert J. Van Saun
I started my career with a primary interest in the traditional This Herd Health section of a book that has been a long
species (i.e., equine, bovine, and small ruminants). Camelids time in preparation could not have been done without the
came later into my professional career and I am grateful for patience and perseverance of the Elsevier staff. To have
the opportunity to be able to put to practice a comparative so many veterinarians involved, each of whom is a “board-
Theriogenology approach to discovering the intricacies of certified procrastinator,” now will finally come to fruition.
these species. I am very grateful to my colleagues from the Each of my contributors has endured my editing with under-
Institut Agronomiqueet Vétérinaire Hassan II in Morocco and standing that we are truly a team. As such, I find it totally
the Veterinary Research Center in Abu Dhabi, in particular appropriate to acknowledge that the Herd Health section of
Dr. Abdelhaq Anouassi and Mr. Mustapha Adnani, who this book would not have been possible without them and the
opened my eyes to this fascinating species in 1990. support team behind each as they garnished the knowledge
I arrived at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washing- they have shared with you the reader.
ton State University 15 years ago and became fascinated by I preface your reading of this section by stating we have
South American Camelids. I am very grateful to several owners tried to be comprehensive while always reminding you veteri-
from across the country who have entrusted me with the care narians and camelid owners that there is no one herd health
of their alpacas and llamas. My involvement with these species, program for camelids. An effective herd health program is the
allowed me to befriend many scientists and practitioners, result of assimilating knowledge to date, extrapolating from
several of whom are authors of the various chapters in this what works in other species, unique regional requirements,
book. My sincere thanks for their valuable contributions. and tailored to the unique purpose of the animals and their
I would like to thank the Comparative Theriogenology owners.
team at Washington State University; Drs. J. Rodriguez, L.K.
Pearson, A. Campbell, and Mrs. S. Sandoval, for their valuable LaRue W. Johnson
Contributors
Marcelo A. Aba, DVM, MSc, PhD George M. Barrington, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-LA
Professor in Endocrinology Professor, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
Department of Physiopathology Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, UNCPBA College of Veterinary Medicine
Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina Washington State University
Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction in the Female Llama Pullman, Washington
and Alpaca Biosecurity
Eric J. Abrahamsen, DVM, DACVA Marty McGee Bennett, BS (Animal Behavior)
Owner Owner
Equine Anesthesia Services Camelidynamics
Kalamazoo, Michigan Bend, Oregon
Preprocedure Considerations Camelid Management, Handling Techniques and Facilities, and
Chemical Restraint of Camelids Herd Management
Injectable Anesthesia of Camelids
Constant Rate Infusion (CRI) Technique for Management of Walter P. Bravo, DVM, MS, PhD
Severe Pain in Camelids Profesor Asociado
Carrera Profesional de Medicina Veterinaria
David E. Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVS Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad
Professor and Head, Large Animal Clinical Sciences Cusco, Perú
College of Veterinary Medicine Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology in the Male
University of Tennessee Artificial Insemination of Llamas and Alpacas
Knoxville, Tennessee
Ocular Surgery Christopher Cebra, VMD, MS, DACVIM
Gastrointestinal Surgery in Alpacas And Llamas Professor
Musculoskeletal Surgery Large Animal Internal Medicine
Urogenital Surgery in Camelids College of Veterinary Medicine
Surgical Management of Neurologic Disorders Oregon State University
Reproductive Surgery Corvallis, Oregon
Integumentary and Dental Surgery Nutritional Diseases
Thoracic Imaging and Respiratory Surgery Clinical Pathology
Fluid Therapy
Aubrey N. Baird, DVM, MS, DACVS Nutritional Support
Associate Professor and Chief-of-Staff Disorders of the Skin
Large Animal Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Hemolymphatic Systems
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Diseases of the Respiratory Tract
Purdue University Disorders of the Neurologic System and Special Senses
West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Disorders of the Urinary System
Urogenital Surgery in Camelids Disorders of the Digestive System
Hepatic, Pancreatic, and Metabolic Disorders
Lora Rickard Ballweber, MS, DVM, DACVM (Parasitology) Neonatology and Neonatal Disorders
Professor and Section Head, Parasitology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences John J. Dascanio, VMD, DACT, DABVP
Colorado State University Professor, Theriogenology
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Ross University
Endoparasite Control School of Veterinary Medicine
Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
Breeding Soundness Examination of the Llama and Alpaca
vi
Contributors vii
André Desrochers, DMV, MS, DACVS, DECBHM Susana M. Giuliano, MSc
Professor, Farm Animal Surgery Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción
Department of Clinical Siences Animal (INITRA)
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias
University of Montreal Universidad de Buenos Aires
St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada Capital Federal, Argentina
Principles of Surgery Embryo Preservation and In Vitro Production of Embryos
Alexandra Helena Anne Dugdale, MA, VetMB, DVA, Nicola J. Grint, BVSc, DVA, DipCECVAA, MRCVS
DECVAA, PGCert(LTHE), FHEA, MRCVS School of Clinical Veterinary Science
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anaesthesia University of Bristol, Langford
School of Veterinary Science Bristol, North Somerset, UK
University of Liverpool Obstetric Anaesthesia in South American Camelids
Leahurst Campus Neuroanaesthesia for South American Camelids
Neston, Wirral, UK
Neuroanaesthesia for South American Camelids Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA
Obstetric Anaesthesia in South American Camelids Assistant Clinical Professor
Department of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Jennifer Ivany Ewoldt, DVM, MS, DACVS Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Veterinarian Washington State University
Scott County Animal Hospital, PC Pullman, Washington
Eldridge, Iowa Local and Regional Analgesic Techniques in Camelids
Thoracic Imaging and Respiratory Surgery Pain Management in Camelids: Systemic Techniques
Urogenital Surgery in Camelids
Reproductive Surgery Dean Hendrickson, DVM, MS, DACVS
Professor of Surgery
Virginia R. Fajt, DVM, PhD, DACVCP Department of Clinical Sciences
Clinical Associate Professor Colorado State University
Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology Fort Collins, Colorado
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Minimally Invasive Surgery
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas Thomas Herdt, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVN
Drug Therapy in Llamas and Alpacas Professor
Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Maria Soledad Ferrer, DVM, MS, DACT Michigan State University
Clinical Assistant Professor, Theriogenology East Lansing, Michigan
Department of Clinical Sciences Nutritional Assessment
School of Veterinary Medicine
Kansas State University Timothy N. Holt, DVM
Manhattan, Kansas Clinical Instructor
Diagnosis of Pregnancy and Evaluation of High-Risk Pregnancy Department of Clinical Sciences
Veterinary Medical Center
Ronette Gehring, BVSc, MMedVet (Pharm), DACVCP Colorado State University
Associate Professor Fort Collins, Colorado
Department of Clinical Sciences Acupuncture in the Camelid
Kansas State University
College of Veterinary Medicine LaRue W. Johnson, DVM, PhD
Manhattan, Kansas Professor Emeritus
Practical Pharmacokinetics of Anesthetic Drugs College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Anne Gemensky-Metzler, DVM, MS, DACVO Fort Collins, Colorado
Professor - Clinical, Comparative Ophthalmology Camelid Herd Health and Nutrition
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Lactation and Neonatal Care
The Ohio State University Physical Examination and Conformation
College of Veterinary Medicine
Columbus, Ohio
Disorders of the Neurologic System and Special Senses
viii Contributors
Patrick O. Long, DVM Sylvain Nichols, DVM, MS, DACVS
Camelid Healthcare Services Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire
Corvallis, Oregon Department de Science Clinique
Camelid Vaccinations Universite de Montreal
Quebec, Canada
Joel Lugo, DVM, MS, DACVS Thoracic Imaging and Respiratory Surgery
Ocala Equine Hospital Integumentary and Dental Surgery
Ocala, Florida
Minimally Invasive Surgery Andrew Niehaus, DVM, MS, DACVS
Assistant Professor, Clinical
Khursheed Mama, DVM, BVSc, DACVA Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Professor The Ohio State University
Department of Clinical Sciences Columbus, Ohio
Colorado State University Integumentary and Dental Surgery
Fort Collins, Colorado
Perioperative Management of Compromised Camelid Patients Lisa K. Pearson, DVM, MS, DACT
Comparative Theriogenology Fellow
John Mattoon, DVM, DACVR Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Professor of Radiology College of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Clinical Sciences Washington State University
Washington State University Pullman, Washington
Pullman, Washington Breeding Management
Thoracic imaging and Respiratory Surgery Clinical Examination of the Female Reproductive Function
Infertility and Subfertility in the Male
Matt Miesner, DVM, MS, DACVIM Infertility and Subfertility in the Female Camelid
Clinical Assistant Professor Disorders and Diseases of Pregnancy
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Parturition and Obstetrics
College of Veterinary Medicine Lactation and Neonatal Care
Kansas State University Postpartum Disorders
Manhattan, Kansas
Integumentary and Dental Surgery Yessenia Picha, DMV, MS
Department of Large Animal Theriogenology
Marcelo H. Miragaya, DVM, MSc, PhD Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Profesor Titular College of Veterinary Medicine
Cátedra de Teriogenología, INITRA Washington State University
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Pullman, Washington
Universidad de Buenos Aires Embryo Transfer
Buenos Aires, Argentina
INITRA, Intituto de investigación y Technología en Terje Raudsepp, PhD
Reproducción Animal Associate Professor
Buenos Aires, Argentina Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
Embryo Preservation and In Vitro Production of Embryos Texas A & M University
College Station, Texas
Nathan C. Nelson, DVM, MS, DACVR Cytogenetics and Infertility
Assistant Professor
Small and Large Animal Clinical Sciences Shannon Kelly Reed, DVM, MS, DACVS
Michigan State University Assistant Teaching Professor
East Lansing, Michigan Department of Veterinary Medical Services
Thoracic Imaging and Respiratory Surgery College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching
Hospital
Kenneth D. Newman, DVM, MS, DACVS Columbia, Missouri
Veterinarian Musculoskeletal Surgery
Rideau - St. Lawrence Veterinary Services
Kemptville, Ontario Thomas Riebold, DVM, DACVA
Canada Professor, Veterinary Anesthesiology
Gastrointestinal Surgery in Alpacas and Llamas Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Musculoskeletal Surgery College of Veterinary Medicine
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Inhalation Anesthesia in South American Camelids
Contributors ix
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA Ahmed Tibary, DMV, DSc, PhD, DACT
Director Professor, Comparative Theriogenology (Equine, Camelid,
CSU Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine Ruminants)
Department of Clinical Sciences Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University Washington State University
Fort Collins, Colorado Pullman, Washington
Acupuncture in the Camelid Breeding Management
Clinical Examination of the Female Reproductive Function
Jacobo Sebastian Rodriguez, DVM, MS, DACT Infertility and Subfertility in the Male
Colorado State University Infertility and Subfertility in the Female Camelid
Equine Reproduction Laboratory Disorders and Diseases of Pregnancy
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Parturition and Obstetrics
Breeding Management Lactation and Neonatal Care
Clinical Examination of the Female Reproductive Function Postpartum Disorders
Infertility and Subfertility in the Male
Infertility and Subfertility in the Female Camelid Susan J. Tornquist, DVM, M.S., PhD, D ACVP
Disorders and Diseases of Pregnancy Professor, Clinical Pathology
Lactation and Neonatal Care Department of Biomedical Sciences
Parturition and Obstetrics College of Veterinary Medicine
Postpartum Disorders Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Felipe San Martín, MV, PhD Clinical Pathology
Professor
Virginia L. Trasorras, MSc
Department of Animal Production
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción
San Borja, Lima, Perú
Animal (INITRA)
Applied Digestive Anatomy and Feeding Behavior
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Feeding Management Systems
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Embryo Preservation and In Vitro Production of Embryos
Kara Schulz, DVM, MS
Clinical Veterinarian
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, DACVN
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Professor and Extension Veterinarian
Texas A&M University
Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences
College Station, Texas
College of Agricultural Sciences
Ocular Surgery
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Stacy A. Semevolos, DVM, MS, DACVS
Applied Digestive Anatomy and Feeding Behavior
Associate Professor
Nutritional Requirements
Large Animal Surgery
Feeds for Camelids
Clinical Sciences
Feeding Management Systems
Oregon State University
Nutritional Assessment
Corvallis, Oregon
Nutritional Diseases
Musculoskeletal Surgery
Nutritional Support
David Sisson, DVM, DACVIM-Cardiology Martin C. Warbington, BS, DVM
Professor Owner
Small Animal Services - Cardiology Tumalo Animal Hospital
College of Veterinary Medicine Bend, Oregon
Oregon State University Protection of Camelids from Predators
Corvallis, Oregon
Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Hemolymphatic Systems Claire E. Whitehead, BVM&S, MS, DACVIM, FHEA, MRCVS
Disorders of the Skin Veterinarian and Practice Owner
Camelid Veterinary Services
Julio Sumar, DVM, MSc, FRVCS (Sweden) Oxfordshire, UK
Professor Emeritus Neonatology and Neonatal Disorders
Department of Reproduction
San Marcos University Lisa H. Williamson, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Lima, Peru Associate Professor
Embryo Transfer Department of Large Animal Medicine
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Anthelmintic Resistance in Camelid Parasites
Part 1: Herd Health
1
CHAPTER
Biosecurity
George M. Barrington
Biosecurity involves efforts designed to prevent introduction being subclinically affected. Consequently, appropriate and
and spread of disease within populations, herds, or groups of effective efforts in biosecurity must focus on the entire popula-
animals.1 These efforts may be further divided into those tion of animals, rather than simply concentrating on those
directed at the prevention of entry of new diseases into a group that are clinically affected.
(external biosecurity) and those directed at preventing spread
of disease within a group (biocontainment or internal biose- External Biosecurity
curity).2 Furthermore, biosecurity may be implemented at
various levels, from the farm level to the regional or national The basic tenets of external biosecurity include isolation of
level. To be effective, a minimum biosecurity plan should new animals, quarantine procedures, disease testing, preven-
address (1) isolating new animals, (2) isolating animals tive measures, and hygiene. As mentioned earlier, the most
returning to the herd, (3) regulation of animal, human and prevalent means of introducing disease into a group of animals
equipment movement, and (4) the design and implementa- is via addition of new animals into the herd. The concept of
tion of cleaning and disinfection procedures directed at the a “new animal” must include animals that have never resided
reduction of pathogen loads. Although much of the following on a farm as well as those returning after travel to offsite facili-
may be applicable to various animal systems, special camelid ties (e.g., shows, fairs, breeding facilities).
situations will be addressed, when appropriate. Animals commingled at other facilities undergo an
increased risk exposure and infection. Producers must be
General Principles made aware that many pathogens do not necessarily require
direct contact between animals for transmission to occur.
Clearly, our ability to control disease has been, and will con- Some pathogens are efficiently transmitted via air, water,
tinue to be, enhanced through technologic advances in vac- fomites (e.g., equipment, tack), pests (e.g., flies, rodents), or
cines, therapeutic agents, and diagnostic techniques. However, personnel. Some pathogens can survive in soil or organic
overdependence on these technologies may blur the impor- material for weeks or even months.5
tance of, and encourage indifference toward management To lessen the risk of disease introduction, producers must
components of disease control such as biosecurity.3 Manage- be knowledgeable about health status of a new animal’s herd
ment, including directed input from qualified veterinarians, of origin. This obviously requires communication between
should strive to incorporate the breadth of available tools parties long before any animal movement. Ideally, purchasers
including risk assessment, computerized record keeping, should be familiar with both current and past health status of
implementation of modern diagnostic technologies and the the seller’s herd. Conditions of concern may include evidence
practice of optimal husbandry techniques, including biosecu- of diarrhea, respiratory diseases, ill thrift, failure of passive
rity and biocontainment.4 transfer, abortion, and herd-based diseases. Buyers must also
Biosecurity practices should be prioritized to address those be knowledgeable about fundamental biosecurity practices of
factors that pose the greatest risk of disease introduction. The the seller’s herd. Specific areas should include information
most common means by which contagious diseases are intro- regarding animal movement, quarantine practices, disease
duced to a herd involves introduction of new animals or the testing practices, vaccination practices, deworming schedules,
return to the herd of animals that had been on other premises hygiene practices, and so on. Finally, prospective buyers
or locations. Obviously, introduction of animals displaying should minimize the number of source-herds from which
any clinical signs of disease must be avoided. Importantly, newly acquired animals are purchased.
producers must be educated that mere exclusion of clinically During public sales, shows, and auctions, animals from
ill animals is unlikely to prevent introduction of disease. different sources are brought into varying levels of proximity.
Often, animals that appear clinically normal may be incubat- Some animals may have travelled long distances, and on
ing disease or be subclinically affected. It is well documented arrival, they must adapt to new environments, which can serve
that in a given population of animals, only a fraction of those as an additional source of stress and potential immunosup-
infected typically exhibit clinical disease, the larger proportion pression. Environmental changes are numerous and include
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