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

10.2.2. Exposure assessment
Imported llamas and alpacas are likely to be kept close by, or to share pasture with, herds
of susceptible camelids and cattle. It is assumed that transmission occurs between camelids
and that they may act as a reservoir of infection for cattle. Recently infected cattle may
excrete the virus in nasal secretions and aerosols for up to 14 days after infection (Babuik
et al 2004). However, disease is rarely observed in camelids, so viral shedding is probably
lower than that of infected cattle. Experimental studies conducted on goats showed that
their clinical reaction was mild, but nevertheless natural transmission occurred (Straub
1990). The same situation is assumed to be possible in camelids. Therefore, it is assumed
that viral shedding can occur from camelids and that this is capable of infecting other
animals.
Further, in times of stress such as transport, parasite infestations, treatment with
corticosteroids or normal parturition, latent infections may be reactivated in camelids as
occurs in other species. This could result in aerosol viral shedding or contamination of the
environment from infectious birth products.
Therefore the likelihood of exposure of naïve indigenous camelids and cattle to potentially
exotic strains of BHV-1 associated with the commodity is considered to be non-negligible.
10.2.3. Consequence assessment
Introduction of abortifacient strains of BHV-1.1 or 1.2a may result in rare sporadic
outbreaks of abortion in llamas and alpacas. Reproductive wastage and economic losses
would be significantly greater should infection be introduced from infected imported
camelids into the country’s cattle herds.
Since clinical disease is rare in camelids, the disease is unlikely to be of direct concern to
other camelids but introduction of the virus could have significant consequences for the
cattle industries. The consequences for the camelid and cattle industries are assessed to be
non-negligible.
There is no evidence to suggest that the virus would cause significant disease in deer, feral
goats, thar or indeed camelids themselves. Other animal species, including birds are not
known to be infected. Therefore, it is considered that the effect of introduction of the virus
on the environment would be negligible.
There would be no consequences for public health since the virus does not infect humans.
10.2.4. Risk estimate
Based on the assumption that transmission may occur from infected camelids, the entry,
exposure, and consequence assessments are all non-negligible. Therefore the risk estimate
for BHV-1 is non-negligible. As such, BHV-1 strains are classified as hazards in the
commodity and risk management measures may be justified.
10.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
10.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of BHV-1 in the commodity:
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 33