Medical management of South American camelids in North America

South American Camelids (SAC) have been exhibited in toes throughout the world for decades. More recently they have become popular as an alternative livestock enterprise. Nearly 100,000 Llamas and 7,000 to 8,000 alpacas are in private ownership in the USA. Veterinarians have learnt to deal with SAC's unique anatomy and physiology. It is important to note a distinct difference between SAC and dromedaries. Llamas and alpacas are cool weather adapted species. They are unable to cope with high environmental temperatures as can the dromedary. Hyperthermia is a risk in many regions of the USA if appropriate husbandry practices (shade, shearing, water for immersion) are not followed. Many Llamas and alpacas in North America are overfed and hence become obese. Species of gastrointestinal nematodes are probably shared with cattle and sheep, but lice and coccidia species are unique to the camelids. Llamas and alpacas are resistant or only mildly affected by some viruses and bacteria that cause serious disease in ruminants. They are susceptible to disorders of the stomach and digestive tract that are difficult to diagnose and manage (stomach ulcers, obstruction). Research on the special diseases of SAC's is being carried out at a number of veterinary schools in the USA. The camelid industry seems to be on a firm foundation and medical care is expanding with the increased experience in dealing with the problems of SAC.