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

camelids since it is found only in sheep and deer. In addition it occurs endemically in New
Zealand.
Natural infections of camelids with Brucella species appear to be rare, since no
descriptions of natural infections, other than those reported above could be found. In
addition, antibodies were not found in serological surveys of South American camelids
(Marin et al 2008; Rojas et al 2004).
There is no evidence to indicate that attenuated strain vaccines used for B. abortus or B.
melitensis are safe or effective in camelids. There are no effective methods for treating
brucellosis in animals.
B. abortus, B. melitenis and B. suis are zoonotic organisms that cause serious debilitating
disease of humans. Humans can contract the disease by drinking unpasteurised milk or by
contact with animals, or their infected discharges at parturition.
21.1.5. Hazard identification conclusion
Brucellosis is rare in camelids. However, since they are susceptible to experimental
exposure and rare cases of natural infection have been reported (Nielsen 2008), it is
possible for natural infections to occur. Therefore, Brucella spp. are considered to be
potential hazards in the commodity.
21.2. RISK ASSESSMENT
21.2.1. Entry assessment
Many countries from which camelids may be imported are free from brucellosis.
Importation from these countries would not involve any risk. However, several relevant
countries are infected with brucellosis. Since camelids are susceptible to experimental
infection and natural infection has been reported, the likelihood of introducing the
organism in imported camelids is non-negligible.
21.2.2. Exposure assessment
It is assumed that brucellosis in camelids is spread in a similar manner to cattle. Therefore,
infected camelids could excrete the organism in vaginal discharges and milk after
parturition or abortion. Animals in contact with them could become infected and this could
lead to transmission of the disease to cattle (B. abortus) or sheep and goats (B. melitensis).
Infection of pigs with B. suis is possible but less likely.
21.2.3. Consequence assessment
Once introduced, movement of animals could lead to the spread of the disease and the
organism could become endemic. This would lead to production losses affecting individual
farmers which could eventually translate to significant deterioration in national production.
Eradication of the disease would be necessary to prevent ongoing production losses and
preserve entry into our preferred markets. An eradication campaign could be expensive
depending on how far the disease had spread. Further, since brucellosis is a zoonotic
disease, sporadic cases of serious disease could occur in humans.
74 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand