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

Article 14.1.5. (Sheep and goats)
Recommendations for the importation of sheep and goats for breeding or
rearing (except castrated males) destined for flocks officially free from
caprine and ovine brucellosis
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international
veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:
1.showed no clinical sign of caprine and ovine brucellosis on the day of shipment;
2.come from a sheep or goat flock officially free from caprine and ovine brucellosis;
OR
3.come from a sheep or goat flock free from caprine and ovine brucellosis; and
4.have not been vaccinated against brucellosis, or, if vaccinated, that the last vaccination was
performed at least 2 years previously; and
5.were isolated in the establishment of origin, and were subjected during that period to a diagnostic
test for caprine and ovine brucellosis with negative results on two occasions, at an interval of not less
than 6 weeks.
One or a combination of the following measures could be considered in order to effectively
manage the risks.
1. Animals could be imported with no restrictions since brucellosis is rare in camelids.
2. During PEI (at least 30 days) camelids could be subjected to a complement fixation
test using B. abortus antigen or an ELISA, with a negative result.
N.B. This measure reflects the current requirement for importing camelids from
the US. The tests required in this option could be changed to include all
prescribed serological tests listed in the Manual. Under the Code
recommendations for cattle, this option implies that the animals were kept in a
country or zone free from bovine brucellosis, or were from a herd officially free
from bovine brucellosis. However, the US is not free from bovine brucellosis.
3. Animals could be isolated prior to shipment and subjected to a prescribed
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 could be considered
invalid in female animals which have given birth during the past 14 days.
N.B. The Manual states that the manifestations of brucellosis in camelids are
similar to those in cattle. This measure is equivalent to those recommended in
the Code for cattle.
4. Animals could be imported only from countries that are free from B. abortus such
as Australia and Canada.
References
References marked * were sighted as abstracts in electronic data-bases.
Gidlewski T, Cheville NF, Rhyan JC, Miller LD, Gilsdorf MJ (2000). Experimental Brucella abortus
induced abortion in a llama: pathologic effects. Veterinary Pathology, 37(1), 77-82.
76 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand