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

Microthoracius mazzai (González-Acuña et al 2007), Microthoracius minor and
Microthoracius praelongiceps (González-Acuña et al 2007) have been described in
camelids. Microthoracius cameli is found in camels (Wernery & Kaaden 2002a). Light
infestations are said to have no obvious effects, heavier infestations may cause pruritus,
dermatitis and hair loss. In young animals, heavy infestations may cause anaemia (Taylor
et al 2007a). The lifecycle is typical of lice. Adults lay eggs which hatch and give rise to
three nymphal stages before developing into adults. The whole cycle may be completed in
as little as 3 weeks. Because the eggs are resistant to insecticides treatments should be
repeated at 7-10 day intervals to kill newly hatched larvae before they reach maturity and
lay eggs. A large number of insecticides can be used for treatment including macrocyclic
lactones, permethrin, chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbamates and organophosphates (Fowler
1992; Taylor et al 2007a). Ivermectin is not effective against biting lice but effective
against sucking lice. Pour-on organophosphates are considered to give poor results (Fowler
1992). Effective penetration of the wool is necessary and treatment should preferably
follow recent shearing.
Information on the infestation of camelids by fleas is sparse. Wernery and Kaaden (2002a)
states that Vermipsylla alacurt and V. ioffi infest camels and camelids and quotes Fowler as
the source of the information regarding camelids. However, Fowler (1998) only states that
“Llama owners have described flea infestation to the author” and does not identify the
genus or species of the fleas involved. Wernery and Kaaden (2002b) also states that other
species such as Ctenocephalides felis may infest camelids. Vermipsylla alakurt is listed as
a species of flea in one textbook (Mullen & Durden 2009). Searching electronic data-bases
yielded one reference to three species of Vermipsylla occurring in ungulates, including
camels (Zedev 1976).
Infestation of camelids by Vermipsylla spp. has not been well studied and is likely to be of
limited significance. Infestations with other fleas such as Ctenocephalides spp. are not of
significance to biosecurity since they are already present in New Zealand.
Typically fleas have lifecycles that can be completed in about 18 days or may take up to 6-
12 months depending on temperature and humidity. Pupae can remain dormant in the
environment for months. Adults can lay hundreds of eggs while on the host. Three larval
and a single pupal stage occur off the host, often in the bedding material where the host
lies. Treatments for fleas are similar to those for lice with the exception that since pupae
may live for extended periods in the environment, elimination of infestations requires
either treatment of both infested animals and their environment or treatment and removal
of animals from an infected environment. It is assumed that effective control of fleas of the
Vermipsylla genus will be similar to control measures for fleas of other genera and that
they will be susceptible to the same insecticides.
35.1.5. Hazard identification conclusion
Psoroptes ovis, Microthoracius spp. and Vermipsylla spp. could infest camelids and are
considered to be potential hazards on the commodity.
132 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand