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

� Mites, fleas and lice of camelids cause skin irritation and damage to fibre but are
not known to cause serious disease or act as vectors for disease agents.
� Steps should be taken to ensure that camelids do not introduce mites, lice and fleas
into the quarantine station in which they will be isolated. Introduction of parasites
into the facility could result in re-infestation of animals after successful treatment.
� There are several efficacious insecticides that can be used for the elimination of the
parasites.
� There is no Code chapter relating to mites, fleas and lice.
One or a combination of the following measures could be considered in order to effectively
manage the risks.
1. Animals to be imported could be quarantined in isolation from other animals for at
least 30 days before shipment; and
2. Within the 4 days before entry into the quarantine station animals could be treated
with an insecticide known to be effective against mites, fleas and lice. Animals that
have not been recently shorn could be shorn before treatment; and
3. Animals could again be treated with an effective insecticide 7-10 days after entry
into isolation and again 10-14 days later. Different insecticides could be used at
each treatment.
N.B. These measures allow for treatment with insecticides thought to be effective against
mites, lice and fleas but do not provide for confirmation of the effectiveness of the
treatment undertaken.
4. Animals for importation could undergo treatments as above. In addition they could
be carefully inspected at the time of the second and third treatments to ensure that
the previous treatments have been effective. If mites, lice or fleas are detected at the
last inspection, treatments could be repeated until no parasites are found. Since
populations of Psoroptes mites are known to leave residual populations in sites
such as the axilla, groin, infra-orbital fossa and inner surface of the pinna and
auditory canal, these areas could require special attention when inspecting the
animal.
N.B. These measures allows for inspection as well as treatment.
5. Treatment with 5ml of diluted ivermectin solution into each ear canal and
microscopic examination of saline flushings of both ear canals with negative results
for Psoroptes ovis ear mites.
N.B. This measure is specific for residual populations of mites in the ear canals of animals
and reflects Australia’s level of protection for mitigating the risk of introducing Psoroptes
ovis when importing camelids from Chile.
6. Ten days after entering pre-export isolation saline flushings of both ear canals of
each animal should be examined and found to be free of evidence of P. ovis mites.
If found then the animal should be treated with an ectoparasiticide effective against
ear mites and re-examined 10 days later.
134 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand