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

13.2.2. Exposure assessment
Assuming that camelids recovering from acute infection are likely to become long-term
latent carriers of the virus, it is considered that such animals would not show signs of
infection and would not excrete the virus except when it is reactivated due to stress or
steroid treatment. Shedding of the virus would be primarily in nasal secretions (Allen et al
2004; Radostits et al 2007).
Any susceptible animals (other camelids and horses) exposed to imported animals that are
shedding virus are likely to become infected, allowing establishment of potentially exotic
strains of EHV-1.
Exposure and establishment is therefore assessed to be non-negligible.
13.2.3. Consequence assessment
Equine herpes viruses predominantly affect equids. The literature is sparse of natural
disease outbreaks occurring in camelids. However, severe disease in camelids does result
from infection.
Infection by EHV-1 is normally characterised by a primary respiratory tract disease of
varying severity that is related to age and immunological status of the infected animal.
Severe neurological clinical signs, including death can occur in the infected camelid or
equid. Since it is not a zoonotic disease there are no consequences for human health.
Consequences are assessed to be non-negligible.
13.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments for the introduction of exotic
neurovirulent strains are non-negligible, the risk is assessed to be non-negligible and EHV-
1 is classified as a hazard in the commodity. Therefore, risk management measures may be
justified.
13.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
13.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of exotic EHV-1 in the commodity.
� There are no treatments or vaccines that can be used to eliminate infections from
carrier camelids.
� There are no practical measures that allow latently infected camelids to be
identified. Therefore, it is not possible to restrict the importation of camelids to
non-infected animals.
� Requiring the premise of origin to have had no clinical cases is probably the only
practical measure available to reduce the likelihood of imported camelids
harbouring the virus.
� There are no OIE-prescribed tests for equine rhinopneumonitis, however the virus
neutralisation test is listed in the Manual as an alternative test.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 43