I am sure most of you have already heard the outbreak of the new virus that has been nicknamed “snots”. “Snots” is a virus affecting the upper respiratory of alpacas. Symptoms tend to be nasal discharge, coughing, and fever. However, not all alpacas will show each of these symptoms. It should also be noted that this virus tends to be hitting ranches nationwide.
What is this virus? Unfortunately no one knows for sure. Veterinarians around the country are working diligently trying to find the origin. Serologic testing from blood samples taken from affected alpacas is being tested, but the results are coming back negative for virus isolation.
What the veterinarians do know is that this virus can be mild in some alpacas and fatal in others. Alpacas that have died initially showed the symptoms of the virus that then weakened their system to allow in secondary bacteria resulting in pneumonia. The worst cases occurring in older females in their last stage of pregnancy or within weeks of giving birth, newborns, or alpacas already with weakened immunities due to a stress.
Practicing bio-security is equally important now and forever more. Whether your alpaca is going off the ranch to a show, breeding, or you are accepting alpacas from a different area the need to quarantine is imminent if you are to keep the rest of your herd healthy. Your quarantine area must be separate from the rest of the herd as this particular virus is very contagious. It is transmitted by alpaca to alpaca, humans to alpaca, and is said to even be airborne traveling by wind.
If your alpaca is open mouth for breathing or even foaming at the mouth seek out your vet immediately. This can be a sign of respiratory distress and liquid build up in the lungs.
It is recommended that each ranch observe carefully their herd for any or all of these symptoms and to speak to your veterinarian about this new virus. If possible try to catch and treat the virus in its early stages if your vet advises to do so. This is one example where having a good relationship with your vet may be the difference of life or death for your alpacas.
To read more about the respiratory virus please visit http://www.icinfo.org/Pages/respiratoryvirus.html for more information. The ICI will continue to monitor and post new updates as they become available.