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

1. Camelids could be treated with pour-on acaricides, 7-10 days prior to entering
quarantine where they could be held for 30 days; and
2. Animals for importation could be treated within 48 hours of entering quarantine
with an insecticide/acaricide solution that is effective against ticks, applied to the
animals by thoroughly wetting the entire animal including under the tail, ears, the
axillary region, between the hind legs, and the interdigital spaces (e.g. using a back
pack spray unit). A pour-on treatment should not be used. If unshorn, animals
should be shorn before commencing treatment; and
3. Animals for importation could be treated with an acaricide within the 3 days prior
to shipment.
N.B. The above three combined measures rely on treatment alone without verification of
its efficacy.
4. Camelids could be quarantined and treated as above, and the animals for
importation could be meticulously inspected for ticks and other ectoparasites, at
least 10 days after entering PEI. If still infested, the treatment could be repeated and
animals inspected again at least 10 days later. Treatments and testing could be
repeated until the animals are found to be free from evidence of ticks. The
ectoparasiticide could be altered if the previously used treatment has not been
effective: and
5. Animals for importation could be treated with an acaricide within the 3 days prior
to shipment.
N.B. The above two combined measures include visual inspection to verify that treatment
has been effective.
6. Treatments and inspections could be applied as above and
7. The quarantine premises could have impervious washable floor and walls or be
fenced, impervious pad without walls and surrounded by a cleared area free from
vegetation. Bedding should not be straw or plant material that could contain tick
eggs and larvae. Inert materials such as wood shavings or sterilised peat could be
considered suitable. The animals could be fed rations that are free from potential
contamination with ticks, tick eggs, larvae or nymphs. Pelleted rations could be
preferred; and
8. All bedding could be removed every ten days during the quarantine period and, at
this time, the walls and floor could be thoroughly cleaned, steam cleaning could be
recommended, and sprayed with an acaricide.
N.B. The above three combined measures are designed to ensure that quarantine premises
are free from ticks including eggs and larvae and that new parasites are not introduced in
bedding or feed. Ticks on the animals will engorge and leave the hosts before the end of
quarantine and be removed in bedding or destroyed by cleaning and acaricide treatment
before eggs have been laid and hatched.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 139