Confirmation of the occurrence of the chewing louse Bovicola (Lepikentron) breviceps (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) on alpacas (Lama pacos) in New Zealand

Authors: Palma RL, Aitken P, McKenna PB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 54, Issue 5, pp 253, Oct 2006
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Camelid, Lamoid, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Parasites - external, New hosts/new diseases
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Alpacas (Lama pacos) were first introduced into New Zealand from South America in 1878, but did not become established (Wodzicki 1950). Subsequently, some were brought in to be kept in zoological gardens. The first major shipment of alpacas and llamas (Lama glama) of about 1,200 animals, introduced into New Zealand to develop the production of a high-quality wool fibre, arrived from Chile in 1989 (Corrin and Burnett 1989). It was divided into two groups, one sent to Omarama, Central Otago, and the other to Flock House, Bulls, to check their ability to adapt to high- and low-land conditions, respectively. Shortly thereafter, the first major shipment of alpacas imported by private investors arrived on farms around Palmerston North (FI Hill, pers. comm.)....

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