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Camelid Medical Alert Bulletin Eric Sharpnack, DVM at the request of the ALSA BOD 11-07-07

Respiratory Infections

A number of llamas and alpacas returning home from the Grand National and other recent shows and events have been observed with some of the following symptoms: running and/or snotty noses, fevers.

Numerous reports are flying around the Camelid Community and on the Internet calling this "Camelid Virus".

Please observe all of your animals carefully. If you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact your veterinarian and have your animals examined. As of this date, to our knowledge, etiology has not been diagnosed - no virus isolated and identified, and no specific bacteria cultured.

Standard Procedures Recommended are:

1. Isolate suspect animals
2. Culture nasal mucous
3. Draw blood for appropriate tests

Please monitor the eating, drinking, urination, and defecation of these animals. Follow the direction of your veterinarian for treatment.

1. Most animals appear to be recovering without the use of antibiotics.

2. The color and smell of the nasal mucous is important. Yellow mucous most often indicates a secondary bacterial infection (treatable with your veterinarian's antibiotic of choice).

3. Viruses are not killed by antibiotics. There are major concerns today about indiscriminate and/or over use of antibiotics in camelids (as well as people).

PLEASE SEND ALL REPORTS OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS TO:

ALSA Grand National Committee Chair, Norris Berg

Norris will act as our "clearing house". Most importantly do not be afraid to share information. We need to know what is going on. Travel and shows are stressful on our Silent Friends.

The welfare of your animals depends upon you. You know them best.