Import risk analysis: Llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna ...

T. evansi and T. vivax occur in South America and T. cruzi occurs rarely in southern parts
of the USA, but not in other countries of relevance to this risk analysis. It is concluded that
T. vivax and T. evansi are not hazards in camelids imported from Australia, Canada, the
European Union or most parts of the United States, but they are considered to be potential
hazards in camelids from Central and South America.
32.2. RISK ASSESSMENT
32.2.1. Entry assessment
T. evansi and T. vivax occur in South America and may be capable of infecting camelids.
Therefore, the likelihood that they could be introduced by camelids imported from South
America is assessed to be non-negligible.
32.2.2. Exposure assessment
Surra is a tropical disease and the principal vectors are Tabanus spp. flies not present in
New Zealand. However, both trypanosomes are transmitted mechanically by biting flies
such as Stomoxys spp. S. calcitrans is a competent vector typically found in greater
numbers in warmer parts of New Zealand. Therefore, north of Auckland would be the most
likely area for establishment to occur initially. The feeding hosts for S. calcitrans are
cattle, horses, sheep, dogs and humans. However, S. calcitrans is widely distributed worldwide
in countries where surra does not occur. This indicates that surra is unlikely to
establish in New Zealand as it has not done so in any other temperate climate despite the
presence of S. calcitrans.
Since Stomoxys spp. are present in New Zealand the likelihood of transmission to
susceptible New Zealand animals and the establishment of T. evansi and T. vivax is
assessed to be very low but non-negligible.
32.2.3. Consequence assessment
If T. evansi or T. vivax were to establish there could be serious consequences for a number
of animal industries and companion animals since the organisms have a wide host range.
Horses are particularly susceptible to T. evansi and are also susceptible to T. vivax and
cases of clinical disease and mortalities could cause economic losses. Ruminants are also
susceptible to both trypanosomes. Wild animal species such as deer could also be infected.
Humans are not susceptible and there would be no consequences for human health.
32.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible for camelids
imported from South America, the risk is assessed as non-negligible and T. evansi and T.
vivax are classified as hazards in the commodity. Therefore, risk management measures
may be justified.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 117