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

Foot and mouth disease infection of humans is extremely rare and of negligible importance
(Sanson 1994). Therefore, there would be negligible consequences for human health.
The virus infects cloven hoofed animals and could infect feral pigs, goats and deer thereby
establishing the disease in feral populations which could constitute an ongoing source of
infection for domestic stock. The virus does not infect birds so there would be no
consequences for native species.
14.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible for animals from
countries where foot and mouth disease occurs, the risk is assessed as non-negligible and
FMDV is classified as a hazard in the commodity. Therefore, risk management measures
may be justified.
14.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
14.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of FMDV in the commodity:
� Foot and mouth disease is an economically devastating disease.
� Vaccination and treatment are not options for the effective control of the virus in
the commodity.
� Long-term carriers of virus occur in cattle and although camelids are considered to
carry the virus for much shorter periods than cattle the length of time for which
they can remain infected has not been adequately defined.
� For the purposes of the Code chapter relating to foot and mouth disease, ruminants
include animals of the family of Camelidae. The Code chapter relating to ruminants
and therefore Camelidae is covered in Articles relating to the importation of
animals from infected and free countries or zones, with or without the practice of
vaccination. The options listed include the wording taken directly from the Code.
One or a combination of the following measures could be considered in order to effectively
manage the risks:
1. Consistent with Article 8.5.10. of the Code, camelids from FMD free countries or
zones where vaccination is not practised could be required to:
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting
that the animals:
1.showed no clinical sign of FMD on the day of shipment;
2.were kept since birth or for at least the past 3 months in a FMD free country or zone where
vaccination is not practised;
3.have not been vaccinated.
2. Consistent with Article 8.5.11. of the Code, camelids from FMD free countries or
zones where vaccination is practised could be required to:
48 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand