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ABSTRACT: Antibody responses in New World camelids (NWC) infected with Mycobacterium microti were studied by two serological methods, multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA) and lateral-flow-based rapid test (RT). Serum samples were collected during 2004-2006 from 87 animals including 1 alpaca and 7 llamas with confirmed or suspected M. microti infection, 33 potentially exposed but clinically healthy animals from known infected herds, and 46 control NWC from herds where infection had not been previously diagnosed. The serological assays correctly identified infection status in 97% (MAPIA) or 87% (RT) cases. In three llamas with confirmed M. microti infection and one llama with gross pathology suggestive of disease, for which multiple serum samples collected over time were available, the antibody-based tests showed positive results 1-2 years prior to the onset of clinical signs or being found dead. In MAPIA, MPB83 protein was identified to be an immunodominant serological target antigen recognized in NWC infected with M. microti. With the limited number of animals tested in this study, the serological assays demonstrated the potential for convenient, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of M. microti infection in live llamas and alpacas.
Veterinary Microbiology 01/2008; 125(3-4):265-73. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: At the beginning of 2000, a population of 1622 South American camelids in 257 herds was living in Switzerland. The origin of the animals, their age, the management systems, their feeding habits, their use as well as the observed medical conditions and the indications for treatment were assessed with a questionnaire. Results of this study show that 60% of the South American camelid population in Switzerland consisted of llamas (999 animals) and 40% of alpacas (623), and that females younger than 4 years of age made up the majority of the animals. South American camelids were predominantly kept for hobby, breeding or trekking. The most frequent health problems were related to the digestive tract, the skin, the eyes and the metabolism. Veterinarians were consulted for deworming, vaccinations, castrations or obstetric interventions. The parasitological examination of 204 fecal samples showed that llamas and alpacas were infested with the same endoparasites as ruminants (i.e. nematodes, trematodes and protozoas).
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 09/2005; 147(8):325-34. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Feces from 15 adult llamas were collected in 4 herds and the exact diet was determined, either of the group or of individual animals, to examine apparent digestibility. A questionnaire was submitted to the animal owners. The questionnaire included questions about the animals in the herd (number, age, gender, origin), management methods, pastures, watering and feeding facilities for the animals, hay supplementation, composition of the ration and fodder additives used. Analysis of the feed revealed an average apparent digestibility for dry matter of 81+/-4%, for the organic matter 77+/-7%, for crude protein 69+/-10%, for nitrogen-free extract 83+/-5%, for calcium 60+/-17%, for phosphorus 54+/-11% and 81+/-9% for crude fiber. All feed components seem to be digested similarly to domestic ruminants whereas the apparent digestibility of crude fiber was high, which indicates that the digesting system seems to be more effective.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 09/2005; 147(8):345-9. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In order to establish reference values for blood parameters of South American camelids in Switzerland, 273 blood samples were collected from 141 llamas and 132 alpacas. These animals were classified in three categories (young animals < six months, adult females and males). Forty-one parameters were measured (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes). Significant differences between llamas and alpacas were evident for 26 parameters. This study also showed that differences between young animals, females and males must be taken into consideration. A comparison of blood values with the results of fecal analysis for parasite eggs showed that an infestation with Dicrocoelium dendriticum was associated with elevated activity of two liver enzymes (GLDH and gamma-GT) in the serum. In contrast, no differences were found in the results of blood analyses between animals shedding eggs of gastrointestinal strongyles or not.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 08/2005; 147(8):335-43. · 0.60 Impact Factor
