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

20.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
20.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of B. anthracis in the commodity:
� Introduction of the organism would result in Government intervention to control
and eradicate an outbreak.
� Rare sporadic cases of animal and human infection could occur.
� An efficient attenuated vaccine is available but there is some doubt about its safety
when used in camelids.
� Both the incubation period and course of clinical disease are short. Therefore,
quarantine would be an effective measure to prevent introduction of the disease
agent.
� The recommendations made in the Code are for the safe trade in ruminants, equines
and pigs, rather than camelids. Although there are no international standards that
are directly applicable when trading camelids, it is reasonable to apply the Code
chapter on anthrax for the same bacteria in other susceptible species. The Code
Article relating to anthrax is given below:
Article 8.1.2.
Recommendations for the importation of ruminants, equines and pigs
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international
veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:
1.showed no clinical sign of anthrax on the day of shipment;
2.were kept for the 20 days prior to shipment in an establishment where no case of anthrax was
officially declared during that period; or
3.were vaccinated, not less than 20 days and not more than 6 months prior to shipment
One or a combination of the following measures could be considered in order to effectively
manage the risks.
1. Camelids to be imported showed no clinical sign of anthrax on the day of shipment.
2. Camelids to be imported could be quarantined for the 20 days before shipment
where no case of anthrax has occurred.
N.B. This measure more than covers the incubation period (1-14 days) and
when combined with clinical freedom on the day of shipment provides an
effective risk management option.
3. Camelids to be imported could be vaccinated with an attenuated live vaccine at
least 20 days and not more than 6 months before shipment.
N.B. Including a vaccination option is equivalent to those recommended in the
Code, i.e. points 1 and 2 of Article 8.1.2., or 3. Additional measures beyond the
Code are not necessary to suggest. However, if the vaccination option is applied
to camelids, there may be associated health risks (including death) for these
species.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 71