Gastrointestinal parasites have been and will always be present in any grazing livestock. Our alpacas are no exception. It is up to us to make sure it does not become a problem. The best way to do that is routine monitoring of each animal on our farms by assessing the color of mucous membranes, body condition score (BCS) and weights. Any alpaca that has pale mucous membranes with or without a decreased BCS/weight should have a fecal analysis done. If they have white mucous membranes, they should immediately be examined by a veterinarian. Ideally a fecal analysis should be done on each animal before any de-worming drugs are administered; however this can be impractical. In depth information about how to determine who the best candidates are for testing will be discussed in the lab.
For this information to be meaningful, the correct procedure should be used. There are many different techniques and variations reported. In addition, there are techniques to give a general idea of number of parasite eggs present, or a specific number of eggs present per volume of feces. The latter is preferred and this technique is called eggs per gram (EPG). This is the technique that will be taught in the hands on lab.
A frequently asked question is at what EPG should I de-worm my alpaca? There is not a simple answer to that question, even veterinarians cannot agree on the number! De-worming strategies and drugs will be discussed.
If possible, bring 3 to 5 grams of feces from older crias, weanlings or suspected adults. Specimens should be obtained only a few days before you arrive and kept refrigerated. You will examine these specimens in the lab and all equipment will be provided.
Hope to see you there!
Dr. Pam Walker
