| The objectives of the present study are to assess the role of New World Camelids as potential carrier of bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens and to estimate the potential infectious risk for other farm animals especially ruminants. Additionally this study is going to generate information about resistances towards different antiparasitic drugs in New World Camelids which may have importance for ruminants as the species share a number of endoparasites.
Material and Methods
The number of animals which will be included in this study is about 10% of the whole number of llamas and alpacas registered in Austria. Currently a number of 3500 - 4000 animals are registered with the LARA (Lama & Alpaka Register Austria) therefore the study includes approximately 350 - 400 animals. The fact that the number of animals differs between the regions of Austria will be considered in the selections of the animals. The owners and breeders of llamas and alpacas are interviewed about herd management (herd size, feeding, housing, buying in policy, attendance at shows, and breeding aspects) and also if llamas and alpacas are housed or pastured together with other animals such as cattle, sheep, goat and horses.
The biostatistical analyses are performed calculating the prevalence and comparing between different species, regions and management systems. Depending on the prevalence the influence of different factors will be assessed applying adequate statistical procedures (e.g. binomial regressions analysis).
Blood samples of animals (older than 1 year) are taken from the jugular vein, the harvested serum samples are examined at AGES Mödling for BHV, BVDV, BDV, BTV and MAP antibodies. A combination of the serological methods with the detection of antigen using PCR is performed for detection of BVDV, in order to identify persistently infected animals.
Faecal samples will be examined for endoparasits several times (4 to 6 times per year). Fecal examination is performed by flotation and sedimentation techniques in order to look for nematodes, cestodes and trematodes and protozoa. The Baermann-Wetzel method is used to detect lung worms. The McMaster technique is performed for standardized quantitative detection of oocysts.
Additionally animals showing clinical symptoms of endoparasitosis are examined using abdominal ultrasound. The activity of enzymes (LDH, GGT, GOT, GLDH), total bilirubin, total protein and albumin will be measured. For detection of gastric ulcers the faeces are examined using the Hemofec test. The concentration of gastrin and pepsinogen is determined in blood.
To identify resistance to the antiparasitic drugs (ivermectin, toltrazuril, fenbendazol and moxidectin) the FECRT (fecal egg count reduction test) and the extensity effect following the guidelines of WAAVP (World Association for Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology) are used.
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