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

exploration, debriding and flushing. This would involve sedating or anaesthetising the
animal (Merck 2006).
Larvae of Wohlfahrtia species can be removed by coating the breathing pore with a thick,
viscous compound, such as heavy oil, or liquid paraffin. Clogging the pore causes the larva
to become hypoxic and leave the cavity in search of oxygen (Merck 2006).
Camelids infested with Cephenemyia spp. have been treated with ivermectin administered
subcutaneously, or with rafoxanide or trichlorfon administered as a drench which
effectively removes the larvae (Wernery & Kaaden 2002).
37.1.5. Hazard identification conclusion
Myiasis is a debilitating, serious disease of warm-blooded animals. Cochliomyia
hominivorax (NWS) is listed as an unwanted, notifiable organism. All the listed agents that
cause myiasis are considered to be potential hazards.
37.2. RISK ASSESSMENT
37.2.1. Entry assessment
Camelids coming from endemically affected countries could be infested with myiasis.
Myiasis is generally clinically evident on careful examination of the skin, particularly
under any matted fleece, open wounds and around body cavities. Some infested camelids
may display clinical signs of respiratory disease, such as sneezing or nasal discharges
indicating possible Cephenemyia infestation.
Pre-export veterinary examination on the day of travel that certifies the animal is clinically
healthy should exclude such infested animals from travel. However, the animal may be
infested immediately prior to departure, or en-route to New Zealand with clinically
undetectable larvae. The likelihood that infested animals will be imported with myiasis is
therefore assessed to be extremely low but non-negligible.
37.2.2. Exposure assessment
New Zealand animals could become infested if larvae in infested imported animals were
able to complete their lifecycle and the resulting adult flies mated sucessfully. However, it
is unlikely larvae in imported camelids would leave their hosts naturally since infestation is
clinically obvious, and veterinary treatment would most likely be sought. If veterinary
intervention did not occur, New Zealand’s climate is probably not suitable for the pupal
development of the tropical myiasis fly species. Facultative myiasis-producing flies such as
Lucilia spp, of which some are already present in New Zealand, are more likely to
establish. The likelihood that New Zealand animals will be exposed to exotic myiasis is
therefore assessed to be non-negligible.
37.2.3. Consequence assessment
If the parasites were to establish it would have severe economic effects on New Zealand’s
primary industries due to production losses and treatment costs.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 145