Links
Sharing information is important to the alpaca and llama communities. Because camelids in North America are relatively few in numbers, there is not the wealth of research and verified information that is found for other species, such as horses. Most of the information available to owners, breeders and handlers are anecdotal reports not supported by exhaustive research. An additional obstacle to owners wanting to institute a "proper" herd management program is the amount of misinformation being circulated.
These links will take you to some trusted sites that will provide information you can rely on.
Research and Medicine
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Poisonous PlantsMost of us worry about poisonous plants when we are out hiking some exotic wilderness. But the real danger can be right at home. There are many stories circulating about llamas that ingested one leaf of an offensive plant and were found dead shortly afterwards. Not a story I want to add to! Check out these websites and educate yourself about which plants at your place (or your neighbor's) could be silent killers. Both the USDA and the Canadian sites offer good information for those of us in North America. 
USDA http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=3496
Canadian http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison?p_x=pxpoisworld.html |
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http://www.llamapaedia.com/ |
| Llamapaedia is a great resource
for all types of llama and alpaca information. The site
lists links to medical information as well as general
information about nutrition and care. They also provide
links to other farms and ranches and more. |
  Dr Fowler and UCD Camelid Medicine Club Officers |
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ |
| Murray E. Fowler, DVM, is Professor Emeritus of Zoological Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. He was the veterinarian for the Sacramento Zoo for 24 years, and he started the first veterinary school program that dealt specifically with captive and free-ranging wild animals. An award-winning author and teacher, he is a diplomat of the American College of Zoological Medicine, the American College of Veterinary Internal, Medicine, and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. His publications include Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids, now in its second edition. | |
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http://oregonstate.edu/vetmed/ |
| Christopher Cebra, DVM and Erica McKenzie, DVM are the principle researchers at the Oregon State University. They are supported by the Willamette Valley Llama Foundation. A lot of research has been completed by the College of Veterinary Medicine and their library is available to veterinarians across the country. | |
 Jane C Wheeler, DVM |
http://janecwheeler.com/ |
| Jane Wheeler is Vice President for Research, CONOPA (Coordinadora de Investigaci ón y Desarrollo de Camélidos Sudamericanos), Lima, Perú. She holds degrees from American University, Cambridge University, and the University of Michigan, and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Paris. For more than 30 years she has conducted broad based research on the South American camelids. | |
 Ohio State University |
http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/371.htm |
| The large population of llamas and alpacas in Ohio has allowed the school to attract some very good camelid veterinarians. | |
 Colorado State University |
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/vmcresearch/index.htm |
| Colorado State University Veterinary Medical Center is a state of the art institution with a long-standing tradition in medical training and research, pioneering innovation and technological transfer. Ethics and confidentiality are guaranteed by approved ethical codes. | |
Llama Doc Herbs |
http://llamadocherbs.com/index.htm |
| Looking for something different?
Rob Pollard, DVM graduated from UC Davis School of
Veterinary Medicine in 1970, after having been one of the
first students in Dr. Murray Fowler’s zoo and wildlife
medicine class. Rob and his wife Suzi moved to Sonora, in the Sierra foothills, and started a small animal practice. As llamas became more popular in the area in 1983, Dr. Pollard used his wildlife medicine experience to work on llamas, and to help the new llama owners. He and his wife own 30 llamas, with almost a dozen or more other llamas and alpacas visiting their Valley of the Llama Ranch for breeding, birthing, or medical care. Over the years homeopathy and herbals became a large part of his veterinary practice. |
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 Cotati Large Animal Hospital Calvin Dotti, DVM |
http://www.cotatilargeanimal.com/ |
| Cotati Large Animal Hospital (CVH)
has been serving Sonoma County’s veterinary needs for over 50
years with an emphasis on providing the highest quality medicine
in a professional and caring manner. Cotati Veterinary Clinic provides routine and emergency medical services both at our hospital on Highway 116 in Cotati, and in the field. We care for a variety of species, including: horses, cattle (dairy and beef), sheep, goats, pigs, and camelids (llama and alpacas). Our 5 doctors and technicians are highly trained and totally committed to the care and comfort of our patients. We combine the latest technologies (services) with a down-to-earth, common-sense approach to diagnosis and treatment. |
National Associations
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http://llamainfo.org/ |
| LANA was
founded during the spring of 1981 by a group of llama owners and
breeders interested in the exchange of information, expanding
the existing markets by educating the public, national group
advertising, and just having fun with their llamas! Member-
suggested programs are implemented by the Board of Directors
elected from the membership at large. All Board members are open
to the membership. Input from the membership is encouraged. LANA
(Lama Association of North America) is a national organization
with lots of activities in the Northern California Area. LANA
and CAL-ILA work together on many projects. |
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http://www.lamaregistry.com/ |
| The ILR is the
largest accurate compilation of lama genealogical information in
the world. The Registry is a not-for-profit corporation with the
purpose of maintaining an official genealogical registry system
and research services for owners of sub species of the genus
lama: llama (lama glama), guanaco (lama guanicoe),
vicuna (lama vicugna) and cross-bred. It can be compared
to a large library, a valuable storehouse of information, whose
job is to gather and maintain accurate genealogical records. The
focus is always on the expansion and accuracy of the records.
Alpacas (lama pacos) are registered under their own
registry, The Alpaca Registry, Incorporated. |
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http://www.alsashow.net/index.html |
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The purpose of
ALSA is to promote Llamas and Alpacas by enhancing the
visibility and demonstrating the versatility of Lamas at shows.
In so doing ALSA establishes guidelines for the shows, educates
the judges and records the achievements of the individual
Llamas. The result is a better educated Lama community as to the
soundness and conformations of these unique animals. |
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http://www.packllama.org/ |
| The principle purpose of the
PLTA is to preserve and promote pack llamas by educating the
public in the safe and humane use of llamas as packing
companions. This is done by coming together in a social,
non-competitive atmosphere and testing the pack llama against a
written standard in a realistic packing environment. |
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http://www.cfbf.com/index.cfm |
| The California Farm Bureau
Federation is a non-governmental, non-profit, voluntary
membership California corporation that’s purpose is to protect
and promote agricultural interests throughout the state of
California and to find solutions to the problems of the farm,
the farm home and the rural community. Farm Bureau is
California’s largest farm organization, comprised of
53 county Farm Bureaus
currently representing approximately 85,000 members in 56
counties. Farm Bureau strives to protect and improve the ability
of farmers and ranchers engaged in production agriculture to
provide a reliable supply of food and fiber through responsible
stewardship of California’s resources. |
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http://www.usaha.org/index.shtml |
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The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), the
nation's animal health forum since 1897, is a science-based,
non-profit, voluntary organization. Its 1,400 members are state
and federal animal health officials, national allied
organizations, regional representatives, and individual members.
USAHA works with state and federal governments, universities,
veterinarians, livestock producers, national livestock and
poultry organizations, research scientists, the extension
service and seven foreign countries to control livestock
diseases in the United States. USAHA represents all 50 states, 4
foreign countries and 34 allied groups serving health, technical
and consumer markets. USAHA's mission is to protect animal and
public health. |
Marketing Organizations
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http://www.llama.org/ |
| Helpful marketing information,
healthcare tips, history and interesting facts and much more is
located at this site. Marketing videos, brochures and
other items available for purchase. |
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http://www.celebrationsalellc.com/ |
| We strive to provide a first-class venue to
show off and sell the best llamas to knowledgeable buyers who
are confident that they are getting the highest quality llamas
available. |
Other Recommended Sites
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Information on Llama Trekking |
Llama Supplies | |
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Professional Guides and Outfitters Lander Llama Wilderness Outfitters |
Llama Information Backpacker Magazine (Backpacking, Hiking and Camping Gear) Llamas: information, videos, and books Llama Life II (A good llama periodical, with lots of good information and great editorials!) |
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| Other Associations &
Organizations HLA (Hoosier Llama Association) INLA (Inland Northwest Llama Association) NHLA (New Hampshire Lama Association) RMLA (Rocky Mountain Llama & Alpaca Association) LLOWC (Llamas of the Wine Country) LASC (Llama Association of Southern California) CCLA (Central Coast Llama Association) Orange Blossom 4-H Llama Youth Group (Project) Stanislaus County, CA |
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