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

21.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible, the risk is
assessed as non-negligible and B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis are classified as
hazards in the commodity. Therefore, risk management measures may be justified.
21.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
21.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of Brucella spp. in the commodity:
� The incubation period for Brucella infections can be long and long-term carriers are
known to occur, therefore isolation in quarantine is not an effective option.
� Vaccination has not been proven to be effective in camelids.
� There are no effective treatments for brucellosis in animals.
� There are several serological tests prescribed by the OIE for international trade of
cattle. Since infection in camelids follows a course similar to that in cattle, the OIE
Manual suggests that the same serological procedures may be used in camelids but
they should be validated.
� Little is known about brucellosis in camelids. The recommendations made in the
Code are for the safe trade in cattle, sheep and goats, rather than camelids.
Although there are no international standards that are directly applicable when
trading camelids, it is reasonable to apply recommendations in the Code,
acknowledging that they are only broadly applicable to camelids since there are no
official accreditation schemes for, or recommendations for flock freedom for
camelids.
� The Code chapters relating to brucellosis in cattle, sheep and goats are given below:
Article 11.3.5. (Cattle)
Recommendations for the importation of cattle for breeding or rearing (except castrated
males)
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international
veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:
1.showed no clinical sign of bovine brucellosis on the day of shipment;
2.were kept in a herd in which no clinical sign of bovine brucellosis was officially reported during the
6 months prior to shipment;
3.were kept in a country or zone free from bovine brucellosis, or were from a herd officially free from
bovine brucellosis and were subjected to a serological test for bovine brucellosis with negative results
during the 30 days prior to shipment; or
4.were kept in a herd free from bovine brucellosis and were subjected to buffered Brucella antigen
and complement fixation tests with negative results during the 30 days prior to shipment;
if the cattle come from a herd other than those mentioned above:
5.were isolated prior to shipment and were subjected to a serological test for bovine brucellosis with
negative results on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 30 days between each test, the
second test being performed during the 15 days prior to shipment. These tests are not considered
valid in female animals which have calved during the past 14 days.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries ● 75