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How to Treat Worms in Alpacas
- Fostings Alpacas
- Apr 21, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 13
What is Worming?
Worming refers to the act of administering medication to an animal (or human) in order to remove internal parasites such as round worm, lung worm and barber pole worm. Animals usually always have some level of worm burden but when this burden becomes too high, then worming is necessary.
What do we want to achieve?
The aim is to maintain or reduce worm numbers to a burden level which is manageable for the alpaca, otherwise the alpaca becomes sick, malnourished, anaemic, depressed, lethargic, suffers diarrhoea, tissue damage and even death. But remember that it is normal for alpacas to be carrying some level of worm burden and will inevitably pick up more post-worming! It’s about keeping a relative balance.
What NOT to do - why blanket worming is not a good idea
Blanket worming is not recommended as this can lead to medication resistance (like the over-prescription of antibiotics in humans), which can later render medicines useless. Guessing which medication to use may also render the process ineffective, as you need to choose a medication according to the type of parasite present, which requires an FEC (Faecal Egg Count).
Exceptions to the blanket worming rule
There are some exceptions in the alpaca world where we would consider blanket worm treatment, such as any cria at weaning age and young stock (up to 18 months) who are living with animals affected by worms. These animals are the most susceptible to worm burdens, so blanket treatment under those particular situations may be prudent - check to see what your vet recommends.
How do I know if my alpacas have worms?
Some worms may be visibly evident in poo, but to identify those that are not, you will need to carry out a Faecal Egg Count (FEC) at the peak worm burden times which are usually April - May and again in October - November in the UK. FEC can also be carried out in times of ill health or apparent discomfort. A FEC will determine the eggs per gram (epg) of existing worm eggs - as well as coccidial oocysts.
Where can I get a FEC done?
If in the UK, you can send poo samples to Westgate Labs which provide a cheaper service, but do not offer advice on treatment. Alternatively, both Amazing Alpacas and Camelid Veterinary Services charge a little more, but offer interpretations of the results, along with specialist camelid treatment advice.
How often should I worm alpacas?
Adult alpacas should be checked for worms at least twice a year in May and October when worms are at their most prevalent using a Faecal Egg Count (FEC). Whether worming is required or not will depend upon the results of the FECs. Remember that blanket worming alpacas is not recommended, so it's about routine CHECKING, not routine worming.
Do I need to test every alpaca for worms?
It is recommended to test a minimum of 10 alpacas or a representative 10% of your herd - whichever number is higher. If doing a representative sample, select the most vulnerable alpacas (old / underweight / growing alpacas aged 6-18 months).
The Results
The results will come as epg (eggs per gram) count and the type of parasite found. The service may include advising whether treatment is required and which medication to use at what dosage rate - if it doesn’t, take the results to your vets for discussion.
Non-medicinal ways to reduce worms in alpacas
You can help naturally reduce worm burden by poo picking every 1-3 days, rotating and resting pasture every 6-8 weeks and following your quarantine protocol for new animals. Donkeys and horses can be rotated on grazing after alpacas (not together as equines can fatally kick alpacas), as equines aren’t affected by the same parasites.
What Medication Should I Use To Worm Alpacas?
The medication you require will depend upon the type of worm present, which your FEC service provider or vet will be able to advise on following the FEC results. Most wormers are safe for pregnant alpacas, BUT avoid ALBENDAZOLE (Albex, Tramazole, Albacert, Endospec) as these may cause birth defects.
Should I move my alpacas to clean grass straight after worming?
No, do not move alpacas to fresh pasture immediately after worming! Moving alpacas to fresh pasture after worming can lead to a high population of medication-resistant worms on the pasture. Instead, leave them on the 'dirty' at least a couple of weeks to allow them to ingest a mix of resistant and non-resistant worms.
Check again
If treatment was given, carry out another FEC 10-16 days post-worming to look for a 95%+ decrease in the count. If there is only 90% reduction, resistance is starting and if there is less reduction that this, you have resistant worms present and need to consult your vet for an alternative plan of treatment.
Helpful tool to keep on top of worms:
Disclaimer: Fostings Alpacas are not a veterinarian body. Always consult your vet before administering any medication to your herd.
