.png)
Coccidiosis in Alpacas
- Fostings Alpacas
- Nov 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 13
What is Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal tract, caused by microscopic parasites called Coccidia. Coccidia are naturally occurring in the environment, transmitted in faeces and can affect nearly any type of animal. Certain burden levels of coccidia are tolerable, but it can have severe and even fatal implications for animals; particularly Eimeria Macusaniensis (commonly called EMAC) which is a deadly group of 4 types of coccidia seen only in alpacas. Coccidiosis typically occurs in young, growing animals, but can be an issue in older animals that are immuno-compromised in some way or subject to stress.
Image source: www.alpacasofmontana.com
Symptoms of Coccidiosis
Symptoms of coccidiosis include lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, loss of weight and condition and diarrhoea.
How to identify Coccidia
A Faecal Egg Count test (also used to identify worms) can pick up coccidia oocysts.
However, it is important to note that the absence of an EMAC oocyst in a test does not equal absence of EMAC altogether because it can be sporadic in showing itself in testing, so several tests may be required to find EMAC.
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.
When should Coccidiosis be treated?
Always discuss FEC results with the service provider and your vet who will be able to advise the best treatment protocol.
For treatment of regular coccidia (i.e. not EMAC), if there are less than 100 eggs per gram (epg), it typically doesn’t need to be treated at that time, but monitor the situation and retest at regular intervals. If there are more than 100 epg, it can be treated if other symptoms (such as reduced BCS is present), but can often be left until a higher epg count is detected if the alpaca is otherwise well.
A zero tolerance approach should be taken when dealing with EMAC; if there is even a single EMAC egg present in a Faecal Egg Count test, treatment should be carried out immediately, as this type of coccidia can prove fatal, fast.
How to treat Coccidisosis
Coccidiosis is typically treated with two treatments (spaced 7 - 14 days apart) of Baycox or Tolracol oral drench at 4ml per 10KG of live bodyweight, but always consult your vet first to confirm if this is the appropriate dose and medication for your alpacas. For yearlings born the year before, it is recommended to treat them in October as a routine precaution.
Important: unless critical, do not treat pregnant alpacas, as the implications on the unborn cria are unknown.
How to prevent Coccidiosis
To help prevent coccidiosis in your alpacas, quarantine all new animals before introducing them to the rest of the herd, poo pick the paddocks every day and rotate pastures every 6-8 weeks.
Does Coccidiosis cause lasting damage?
Once the animal has been treated and recovered, the gut will continue to regenerate. This thankfully means that once the animal has overcome coccidiosis, it should not suffer any long term damage.
Disclaimer: Fostings Alpacas are not a veterinarian body. Always consult your vet when creating a health plan for your herd and before administering medication.
