Search Results (2)

The profitability of alpaca breeding depends on satisfactory reproductive results. The study aimed to analyze the frequency and causes of reproduction-related problems in alpacas, in particular miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, twin pregnancies, and falls of crias within 12 months after birth. This analysis was carried out with the use of questionnaires completed voluntarily by 109 alpaca owners in three regions (British Isles, Continental Europe, and North America). Cases of miscarriage and stillbirths were reported from 44% and 36% of the farms, respectively. In half of the farms, the cases of falls of crias and young alpacas within 12 months after birth were reported. Preterm births were reported from almost half of the farms. A large number of alpaca owners did not identify the cause of fetal death. An important element increasing the cria survival rate of is the birth weight (the higher cria birth weight, the lower risk of perinatal complications and less necessity of bottle feeding). Crias from dams receiving mineral supplements had higher birth weight. This study indicated a relationship between fetal death and the occurrence of infectious diseases and scabies infestation in the herd. They may be potential causes of reproduction-related problems that are not discerned in time. Full article

In Europe, cowpox virus (CPXV) infection in South American camelids occurs as a so-called spill-over infection. Although infected animals generally have a mild form of the disease and survive, cases of fatal generalised CPXV infection have also been described. Prevention by prophylactic vaccination is the only way to protect animals from disease. In the present study, modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vaccine, which has been successfully used in many animal species, was used in a prime-boost vaccination regimen in two alpaca herds with a history of CPXV infection. The focus of the study was the prevention of further clinical cases, and to determine the safety and immunogenicity of the MVA vaccine in alpacas. The MVA vaccine was well tolerated and safe in the 94 animals vaccinated. An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using MVA as an antigen showed that the seroprevalence of antibody after booster vaccination was 81.3% in herd I and 91.7% in herd II. Detectable antibody titres declined to 15.6% in herd I and 45.8% in herd II over a 12-month period after booster vaccination. Animals could be divided into four groups based on individual antibody titres determined over one year: Group 1 consisted of 19.3% of animals that were seropositive until the end of the trial period; Group 2 consisted of 58.0% of animals that were seropositive after booster vaccination, but seronegative one year later; Group 3 consisted of 14.7% of animals that were not seropositive at any time point; and Group 4 consisted of 7.9% of animals that were seropositive after initial immunisation, seronegative six months later, but seropositive or intermediate in IFA one year after immunisation, likely because of natural exposure. In new-born crias born to MVA-vaccinated mares, specific maternal antibodies were detected in 50.0% of animals up to 14 weeks of age. Our results confirm that MVA vaccination is a feasible tool for the prevention of CPXV disease in alpacas. Long-term studies are needed to verify future vaccination regimen in CPXV affected herds. Full article