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

36.2. RISK ASSESSMENT
36.2.1. Entry assessment
A large number of tick species are known to be, or are potential parasites of camelids. Tick
species are widely distributed in most countries of the world and even careful inspection
may fail to detect tick larvae infested camelids. Therefore, the likelihood of entry is
assessed to be non-negligible.
36.2.2. Exposure assessment
Once introduced, female ticks are likely to lay large numbers of eggs that could hatch and
infest animals of various species including humans. Therefore, the risk of exposure is
assessed to be non-negligible.
36.2.3. Consequence assessment
If ticks establish they could be vectors or potential vectors for many diseases of domestic,
wild and feral animals and humans. Apart from vector potential, there are also the direct
effects of parasitism (anaemia) and toxicity (paralysis and death). The effects on human
and animal health can be severe. If an exotic tick were to establish, eradication would be
difficult and expensive. Therefore, the consequences of introducing ticks are assessed as
non-negligible.
36.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible, the risk is
assessed as non-negligible and ticks are classified as hazards in the commodity. Therefore,
risk management measures may be justified.
36.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
36.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of ticks associated with the commodity:
1. Ticks are vectors of many disease agents.
2. Ticks can cause infested animals to lose condition resulting in production losses.
3. Once ticks have been introduced, control measures are expensive and an ongoing
cost to producers.
4. Ticks have developed resistance to many acaricides. Measures to prevent
introduction should not rely on acaricide treatments. Suitable management and
hygiene measures can also be used to prevent introduction.
5. There is no Code chapter relating to ticks.
One or a combination of the following measures could be considered in order to effectively
manage the risks.
138 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand