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

Vos & Turnbull 2004). However, one report attributes the death of two crias (young
unweaned camelids) to the vaccine (Cartwright et al 1987).
20.1.5. Hazard identification conclusion
Anthrax is known to occur in camelids and the disease occurs in all countries relevant to
this risk analysis. Therefore, B. anthracis is considered to be a potential hazard in the
commodity.
20.2. RISK ASSESSMENT
20.2.1. Entry assessment
Although anthrax is a rare disease it still occurs sporadically in a number of countries. The
incubation period is short and camelids are susceptible, exhibiting obvious clinical signs of
infection. Therefore, the likelihood of an imported animal being in the incubation period
for the disease or carrying spores in its intestines is assessed to be very low but nonnegligible.
20.2.2. Exposure assessment
The Code chapter states: “There is no evidence that anthrax is transmitted by animals
before the onset of clinical and pathological signs”. An imported animal that is in the
incubation period for the disease would be likely to die. In the extremely unlikely event
that an infected camelid is imported and dies from anthrax, it is highly improbable that its
carcass would extensively contaminate the environment. The original outbreaks of anthrax
in New Zealand in the early 1900s resulted from the importation of thousands of tons of
unsterilised animal bones that were applied to pastures as fertiliser (Barry 1954). Despite
this widespread practice and several outbreaks, B. anthracis never became established. An
imported case of anthrax would not contaminate the environment to the same extent.
However, other animals could become infected from contaminated soil or water, resulting
in further spread of the organism and contamination of the environment. Therefore the risk
of exposure is considered to be very low but non-negligible.
20.2.3. Consequence assessment
Control measures would be introduced in response to an outbreak. Quarantine and
disinfection of infected areas and vaccination of animals would incur costs. In the long
term, should the introduction lead to long term contamination of the environment,
sporadic cases of anthrax could occur in humans and in animals. Therefore, the
consequences of introduction are assessed as non-negligible.
20.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible, the risk is
assessed as non-negligible and B. anthracis is classified as a hazard in the commodity.
Therefore, risk management measures may be justified.
70 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand