EHV-1 Risk for Alpacas and Llamas
Kathy Stanko is a Journal Volunteer in charge of “Ask the CSU Vet Team” which appears in each Journal. She just received the following from CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
EHV-1 Infection Risk in Alpacas and Llamas
May 17, 2011
An outbreak of neurologic disease in horses caused by Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infections has developed during the past week in the Western US and Canada. This outbreak is linked to horses that participated in a cutting horse show in Utah form April 29 to May 8. Most horses returned to their originating farms before clinical signs developed. It has since spread to most (if not all) of the Western states where there are reports of severely affected horses with neurlogic disease. This EHV-1 outbreak has spread beyond primary cases (those attending the Utah horse show) and is now being reported among in-contact horses from the home premises.
EHV-1 can also affect alpacas and llamas; however, at the time of this writing, there have been no reported alpaca or llama cases associated with the current horse outbreak.
Alpacas and llamas can become infected with EHV-1 following close contact with an infected equine, most likely through exposure to virus that is shed in nasal secretions or through indirect contact (hands, clothing, feeders, waterers, or other equipment). Disease due to Equine herpesvirus-1 infection is uncommon in camelids. Previous reports indicate that infected alpacas develop signs including blindness, changes in mentation and behavior, and other neurological signs. Clinically affected animals often developed severe disease that may result in death or euthanasia of the animal. Confirmation of a diagnosis in alpacas and llamas can be difficult since they do not seem to shed as much virus in nasal secretions or have virus in the blood like horses. Thus, virus detection in nasal swabs and blood may be negative in infected camelids. Acute and convalescent serology is recommended to help confirm a suspected infection or exposure in an alpaca or llama.
Summary:
- Currently,
there is a highly virulent form of EHV-1 virus circulating in horses.
- Alpacas and
llamas that have contact with horses or other equids are at risk of
EHV-1 infection.
- EHV-1
infection can result in severe and potentially fatal neurological
disease in alpacas and llamas.
- The risk of transmission from camelid to camelid is unknown but is likely low since infectious virus has not been detected in nasal secretions of camelids.
Recommendations:
- Minimize contact between alpacas and llamas with horses, donkeys, mules, or other equids. This is particularly important if the horses have recently traveled and were exposed to other horses.
- Minimize
movement of camelids and horses on or off home facilities.
If your alpacas or llamas have had recent exposure to horses, consider isolating them for a period of at least 3 weeks and not participating in any shows or sales. - Institute a
quarantine program for animals entering your herd or returning from
show, sale or breeding. A minimum of 3 weeks at a distance of at least
100 feet is recommended. Utilize separate boots, clothing, feed, and
equipment for the quarantine area.
- Utilize a thorough biosecurity program in your herd to minimize introduction of infectious diseases to your herd.
More information about EHV-1 in horses: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm
If you have more questions, please contact your veterinarian or the CSU VTH at 970-297-5000.
NOTICE:
There has been a lot of coverage by local and national news agencies about this outbreak. Regretfully, many of the reporters assigned to these stories have little or no experience with animals. The reports tend to be incomplete and sensationalized.
Where can you turn for the best information? The USAHA (United States Animal Health Association) is the BEST place to get the latest information about health concerns for the nation's livestock.
Llamas and Alpacas have been well represented at the USAHA. Bob Frost is a Past President of USAHA and still active in the association. Bob raised llamas in Northern California for many years and has been a member of CAL-ILA. The ILR has a permanent seat at the USAHA.
The USAHA is an important advisor to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Many of the rules and regulations issued by the USDA originated as recommendations by the USAHA.
The USAHA is also the clearing house for veterinarian reports of animal health related incidents. This means that the USAHA has the latest, most complete information. The information for this article was sourced from the USAHA.
CAL-ILA highly recommends that you search the USAHA website for more information to determine how any event may effect your operations. We have posted a link on our Links page. Or just click here: http://www.usaha.org/
