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

Outbreaks of the disease have occurred in camelids (CDC 1990; Fowler 1992; Wernery &
Kaaden 2002). In one outbreak, in which 20 alpacas were bitten by a rabid dog, 13 died or
were euthanised. In these cases the incubation period varied from 15-34 days and animals
died within 8 days of developing clinical signs. In another outbreak involving 29 cases the
incubation period was from 15-30 days (Fowler 1992). In view of the protracted incubation
periods sometimes seen in other animals it must be assumed those incubation periods of
longer than 3 months are possible. Herbivores are almost invariably dead-end hosts as they
seldom bite other animals.
Killed vaccines are safe for use in camelids although their efficacy is unproven. Modified
live vaccines have been reported to cause post-vaccine paralysis in 10 % of cases (Fowler
1992).
16.1.5. Hazard identification conclusion
Rabies virus can infect camelids and causes an invariably fatal disease. Therefore, rabies
virus is considered to be a potential hazard in the commodity.
16.1.6. Entry assessment
Camelids could be incubating the disease when imported. Incubation periods may be
protracted and during this time animals show no signs of infection. Since the disease
occurs in several countries relevant to this risk analysis, the likelihood of entry is assessed
to be non-negligible.
16.1.7. Exposure assessment
Camelids are likely to be dead-end hosts and therefore exposure of other animals is
unlikely. However, since there is a remote chance of transmission to animal attendants
working with the camelids the likelihood of exposure is assessed to be non-negligible.
16.1.8. Consequence assessment
Establishment of rabies in New Zealand would be unlikely unless a carnivore became
infected. The likelihood that a carnivore would be bitten by a camelid or have a wound
infected with camelid saliva is extremely low. Humans working with an infected animal
could possibly be infected by contamination of a wound with saliva. Since the untreated
disease is invariably fatal the consequences are assessed to be non-negligible.
16.1.9. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible, the risk is
assessed as non-negligible and rabies virus is classified as a hazard in the commodity.
Therefore, risk management measures may be justified.
16.2. RISK MANAGEMENT
16.2.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of rabies virus in the commodity:
54 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand