Paratuberculosis in llamas and alpacas

Paratuberculosis has recently become a concern of the South American cameli d (SAG) industry, although the disease is currently uncommon in SACs in Nor th America. In particular, an outbreak in Australian alpacas demonstrated t hat the pathology and epidemiology of paratuberculosis in camelids and rumi nants are similar. Clinical presentation can vary considerably, and the iss ue of age-related susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in fection in camelids remains unresolved. All SACs with diarrhea and weight l oss should be isolated from other SACs to minimize possible transmission. I n addition to investigating the more common parasitic and nutritional cause s of diarrhea and weight loss, a complete diagnostic workup should include submitting fecal or tissue samples for mycobacterial culture and tissue bio psies for histopathology. Although serology, histopathology, and other tech niques may be rapid screening tools that provide a quick presumptive diagno sis, all results should be confirmed by culture. Llamas and alpacas housed with other hoof stock species are apparently at greatest risk for acquiring paratuberculosis.