Alpaca Research Foundation Annual Report
2007-2008
ARF has had another successful year with the future holding great promise. The highlight of the year was The First International Workshop on Camelid Genetics which was held in Scottsdale, Arizona on Feb 22-24, 2008. The workshop was co-hosted by ARF and ARI and funded entirely be ARI. A total of 40 participants including 17 invited speakers were in attendance. We were privileged to have Dr. Stephen O’Brien, head of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity at the National Cancer Institute, Frederick Maryland give the keynote address and contribute his expertise during the entire meeting. The impetus for the workshop was the completion of the alpaca genome sequence in early 2008 and the availability of molecular genetic tools and resources that are being developed at the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, NCI, NIH and in other laboratories around the world. The goals of the workshop were to facilitate the sharing of these tools and resources, stimulate future genetic work on camelids and develop options or blueprints for maximizing the utility of these resources for basic research, gene discovery, veterinary medicine and comparative genomic research. Several task forces are being formed to carry on the work begun in Scottsdale and we anticipate a series of future workshops on camelid genetics. The workshop booklet including abstracts of talks can be found on the ARF website. Proceedings of the workshop will be posted there when it becomes available. We are working to broaden participation in future workshops by including scientists conducting research on old and new world camelids.
Ongoing ARF Research Projects
Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Pantoprazole in Alpacas Geof Smith, DVM, PhD, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 9/1/07 to 8/31/08, $20,934
Pantoprazole is a drug that is used in humans and horses to treat stomach ulcers. This study will determine whether pantoprazole, when given subcutaneously or intravenously, can safely and effectively lower third compartment acidity in alpacas and thus provide a potentially convenient and safe treatment option for alpacas with ulcers.
Factors Affecting Measurement of Serum Progesterone Levels in Alpacas, Ahmed Tibary, Washington State University, $6993.58
Alpaca breeders rely on progesterone concentration level in blood samples for pregnancy diagnosis. Progesterone concentration of 2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) is considered indicative of normal pregnancy. However, some laboratories use a cutoff concentration of 1.5 ng/ml making interpretation of values below 2 ng/ml often problematic. This is critical as many veterinarians and breeders may be inclined to consider alpacas with serum concentrations of less than 2 ng/ml as suffering from progesterone deficiency and treat them with progesterone throughout pregnancy to prevent abortion. Our hypothesis is that progesterone levels reported in many cases may be erroneous because of problems in sample handling or may be affected by individual alpaca variation. Errors in progesterone determination may be due to assay technique but should not be a problem if the laboratory used has a good reputation. The objectives of our study are 1) to determine if there is a correlation between progesterone concentration and other indicators of blood volume such as weight, body condition and the amount of cells in the blood (packed cell volume); 2) to determine if the time the sample is taken in relation to feeding has any impact on progesterone concentration, and 3) to compare the effect of commonly used blood sample handling methods on variation in results of progesterone determination. The results from this study will offer recommendations on how to handle blood samples and determine if the size (generally larger in North America) and metabolism may affect progesterone values in alpacas.
Evaluation of a Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test Protocol for Use in Alpaca, Rebecca Davies, Ph.D, University of Minnesota, 12/1/07-11/30/08, $10,144
Thyroid hormones are important modulators of growth and metabolism and affect nearly every body system. Diagnostic tests that determine thyroid hormone concentration and the ability of the thyroid gland to respond to regulatory stimulation are readily available for most species. However, appropriate testing protocols for thyroid function in the alpaca have not been established. In this study we will determine whether a thyroid stimulation test protocol used in other species is useful for evaluating the responsiveness of the alpaca thyroid gland.
Experimental Exposure of Naïve Alpacas to Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus 1a, 1b and 2, Jason Johnson, DVM, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 9/1/07-8/31/09, $8235
Alpacas are at risk of contracting and propagating BVDV, but the susceptibility of alpacas to various viral strains is not known. In this study castrated male alpacas will be infected with three different strains of BVDV called 1a, 1b and 2. The degree of viremia (virus in the blood), clinical signs and antibody response to the three different strains will be monitored. This study will also monitor the duration of viral shedding from the nose for each of the three strains in order to develop guidelines for the isolation and control of this disease.
Investigation into a Viral Cause of Acute Contagious Respiratory Disease in Alpacas, Christopher Cebra, DMV, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 12/1/07-11/30/09, $17,900
An apparently novel, contagious respiratory disease
(sometimes called “the snots”) has recently been described in alpaca herds. The
disease often first appears in recent returnees from a show, and shortly
thereafter, more alpacas on the home farm begin to show signs. The severity of
the disease can range from mild nasal discharge to more severe respiratory
distress, abortion, and even death. The rapid spread of the infection through
herds suggests an infectious etiology, and the lack of consistent bacterial
isolates suggests that the causative agent may be a virus.
Dr. Cebra will investigate the possibility of infection with a new virus, using
nasal swabs and blood taken from sick alpacas. Identification of the cause of
these infections would allow us to design better preventative, diagnostic, and
treatment strategies.
Ovulation Inducing Factor (OIF) in Seminal Plasma of Alpacas, Gregg P. Adams, DVM, PhD, University of Saskatchewan, 9/06-8/08, $35,040
Camelids have been categorized as induced ovulators and present dogma suggests that physical stimulation of the genital tract during copulation is primarily responsible for eliciting ovulation. Recent discoveries, however, challenge this dogma. The project focuses on the isolation and characterization of an ovulation inducing factor (OIF) present in the seminal plasma of camelids. The existence and nature of this factor has direct implications on fertility, infertility, breeding management and possibly pharmaceutical development for alpacas.
Serological Response of Alpacas to Rabies Vaccination, Julie Deschant, DVM, University of California, Davis, 12/1/07-11/30/08, $6,935.
The vast majority of rabies cases are diagnosed in wild
animal species, but the occurrence of rabies in domesticated animals is of
primary concern due to the increased risk for human exposure. Outbreaks of
rabies in alpacas have been reported in South America and rabies has been
reported in camelids in the US, the most recent report being in Pennsylvania in
December 2006. Available rabies vaccines are not licensed for use in camelids As
such, vaccination protocols currently in use for camelids are extrapolated from
use in other species and may vary among veterinarians. The purpose of this study
is to measure and compare the serological (antibody) response produced following
rabies vaccination using 2 vaccination protocols in a group of alpacas that have
not previously been vaccinated against rabies.
Use of a Fecal PCR to Detect Eimaria macusaniensis Infection in Camelids, Christopher Cebra, VMD Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 9/1/07-8/31/09, $29,400
E. macusaniensis, a large coccidian parasite, causes severe intestinal disease in alpacas. It can be frustrating to diagnose because clinical signs are vague and signs can occur several weeks before parasite eggs appear in the feces. In this trial a new diagnostic technique called fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will be used to try to identify parasite DNA in feces in the hopes that infection can be detected earlier. Earlier and more sensitive identification of infection will allow timely implementation of appropriate treatment measures and should generally improve health care and survival in camelids.
Ongoing MAF Projects
Prevalence of Anthelmintic Resistant
Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Camelids,
Lisa Williamson, DVM,
The University of Georgia
Co-sponsors: Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF); Greater Appalachian Llama &
Alpaca Association (GALA); Neil & Sylvia Van Sloun,The Van Sloun Foundation,
year: 2 of 2: $21,800.00
Gastrointestinal parasites are a leading cause of disease in all grazing livestock, including camelids. Llamas and alpacas imported into new habitats, such as North America, are exposed to a new array of these parasites, making worm-related deaths an increasing problem. These parasites are difficult to manage because they are often resistant to dewormer medications, but no one knows the current magnitude of the problem in camelids. This study will determine the prevalence of resistant worm populations in camelids. Also, because these parasites often cause anemia, the researchers will determine whether the FAMACHA eye color chart, which predicts degree of anemia in livestock, will be useful in camelids as well.
Discovery of Microsatellites in Alpacas,
Kylie Munyard, BSc, Ph.D.,
Curtin University
Co-Sponsor-Alpaca Research Foundation
As alpacas become more popular, undesirable genetic traits such as deafness and susceptibility to disease have also become more prevalent. Currently, there is little known about alpaca health issues. One particularly useful tool for studying genetic traits and diseases is a comprehensive genome map. Another MAF-funded study has nearly completed a radiation hybrid map of the alpaca genome that includes about 600 DNA markers. To increase the accuracy of the map, investigators in this study hope to discover an additional 100 to 200 markers. They also plan to develop a highly sensitive identity/parentage test for distinguishing between two animals. The addition of these markers and the development of an identity test will help develop genetic tests for disease that can be used to improve alpaca health. This grant will support a young scientist’s work in genetics.
Development of a Quantitative Method of
Assessing Insulin Sensitivity in Camelids,:
Anna Firshman, BVSc, Ph.D.,
Oregon State University
Full Sponsor: Llama Association of North America (LANA)
year: 2 of 2: $5,165.00
Hospitalized camelids (llamas/alpacas) often develop a condition known as fatty liver, which, regardless of the severity of the initial problem, often causes their death. Their susceptibility to this condition may be in part due to their unique way of handling blood sugar. Previous studies have shown that these animals have reduced glucose tolerance and sensitivity to insulin compared to other species. This study will evaluate insulin secretion and sensitivity in these animals using a special technique called hyperglycemic (HG) and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic (HE) clamping, which is considered the gold standard for measuring insulin secretion and sensitivity in other species. Researchers hope to gain greater understanding of camelid physiology and to develop effective treatment strategies.
Arginine Stimulation Testing in Healthy
and Sick Camelids,
Dr. Anna Firshman, Oregon
State University
Co-sponsor: Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF)
year: 3 of 1: $22,607.00
Hospitalized camelids (llamas/alpacas) often develop a condition called fatty liver, which can ultimately lead to their death. Previous studies have linked susceptibility to this syndrome to the camelid’s inherent insulin resistance and reduced pancreatic function. To date, no studies have looked at changes in glucose tolerance in sick camelids. This may be due in part to the long procedure time of currently available testing methods, which also have the potential to adversely affect the animal’s recovery from the primary illness. The arginine stimulation test is a short procedure that has been used effectively to test humans with diabetes. Researchers will use this test to study pancreatic function in sick and healthy camelids in order to further understand fatty liver syndrome. This may help to develop better treatments and preventive strategies.
Arginine Stimulation Testing in Healthy
and Sick Camelids,:
Dr. Anna Firshman,
Oregon State University
Co-sponsor: Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF)
year: 3 of 1: $22,607.00
Hospitalized camelids (llamas/alpacas) often develop a condition called fatty liver, which can ultimately lead to their death. Previous studies have linked susceptibility to this syndrome to the camelid’s inherent insulin resistance and reduced pancreatic function. To date, no studies have looked at changes in glucose tolerance in sick camelids. This may be due in part to the long procedure time of currently available testing methods, which also have the potential to adversely affect the animal’s recovery from the primary illness. The arginine stimulation test is a short procedure that has been used effectively to test humans with diabetes. Researchers will use this test to study pancreatic function in sick and healthy camelids in order to further understand fatty liver syndrome. This may help to develop better treatments and preventive strategies.
Completed ARF Projects 2007-2008
A model was developed for teaching atraumatic venipuncture and intravenous
catheter placement to veterinary students, technicians and practitioners. A
prototype was demonstrated at the 2007 AOBA conference in Louisville, Kentucky
and many alpaca breeders had an opportunity to use the model to practice
venipuncture. The final model design has two components, a rigid procedural one
and a visual reference one. The reference component shows the topographical
anatomy of the head and neck as well as the anatomy of soft tissues beneath the
skin of the ventral neck and osteology of one side of the skull. The two part
model is available for purchase.
Pilot Study: Application of Bovine Genomic
Tools to Genome Mapping in Llama/Alpaca
Kent M. Reed, PhD, University of
Minnesota
Researchers used two genetic tools to identify similarities between the llama and alpaca genomes and the bovine genome. They learned that the genomes have many features in common, making the bovine whole genome sequence a valuable research tool in studying genetic issues of llamas and alpacas. That said, genome-specific resources are still needed for both the llama and alpaca.
Genetic Characterization and Identification of Alpaca BVDV, Edward J.
Dubovi and Sung Kim
Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and
Diagnostic Sciences
School of Medicine at Cornell
The identification of BVDV persistently alpacas in early 2005 came as a
surprised to those involved in the camelid industry. Over the years, a few cases
of BVDV infections in llamas were identified, but the general feeling was that
camelids were somewhat resistant to significant clinical disease caused by
pestiviruses. The identification of persistently infected (PI) alpaca crias
raised the question as to whether this was an alpaca issue or perhaps a unique
genotype of BVDV that was capable of propagating in alpacas. The objective of
this project was to examine the genetic make-up of the viruses isolated from
alpacas. The goal was to sequence a segment of virus in the conserved 5' UTR
region of the genome and to compare the sequences of all available alpaca
isolates to see if a case could be made for a unique genotype.
For this project, we had available 43 isolates of BVDV that came from alpacas,
either from persistently infected animals or acutely infected animals linked to
a PI animal. These isolated came from CA, NJ, VT, MA, VA, PA, NY, CO, Ontario,
and New Brunswick. Of these 13 were known to be linked to one source and 12 were
linked to another source. Most of the other isolates were single to 3 animal
links. A 290 base region was sequenced and the results were as follows: 35 had
100% identity; 5 differed by 1 base, 2 differed by 2 and 1 differed by 10. The
isolate with the 10 base difference was the one from New Brunswick. All of the
isolates were the 1 b genotype. As a control, 21 bovine isolates from the year
2006 were also sequenced. Of these 4 were type 2, 4 were type 1 a, and 13 were 1
b. None of the bovine isolates were similar to the alpaca with the exception of
the New Brunswick isolate which mapped with the bovine isolates.
The data from this study can be interpreted in at least two ways. One
interpretation would have most of the alpaca infections coming from single
introduction of a unique virus into a pregnant animal with the production of a
PI cria. This animal then exposed a number of other pregnant animals so that the
virus spread to herds through North America. The other interpretation would be
that only a specific genotype of BVDV is able to infect alpacas and produce PI
animals. In this manner there could have been many independent exposures to BVDV
but only the lb "alpaca" variant was capable of generating the PI animals. The
genotyping to date cannot determine whether there are substantial differences in
other parts of the genome which could shed light on which of these
interpretations is more likely. Clearly an independent infection did occur as
evidenced by the New Brunswick isolate. However, regardless of which
interpretation one wants to emphasize, the data suggests that the risk of BVDV
infections in alpacas is limited to few genotypes of the virus rather than the
entire spectrum of BVDV.
An Epidemiologic Assessment
of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in US Alpacas
En-Min (Eric) Zhou, Julie Ann C. Jarvinen and Annette O’Connor, College of
Veterinary Medicine
Iowa State
University, Ames, IA 50011
To estimate the prevalence of infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in US alpaca herds and the incidence of infection (number of new BVDV infections occurring in a given time period), we conducted a national survey based on detection of serum antibodies against BVDV. In 2006 a request to participate in the study was mailed to 551 randomly selected herd owners representing 10% of alpaca herds in each state. Owners were asked to submit blood samples from up to five alpacas in their herd for testing in the virus neutralization (VN) assay. A positive test result indicates the alpaca has been exposed to the virus and has developed BVDV antibodies, but it does not distinguish between past and present infections. The VN assay also will not detect alpacas infected very recently and sampled before antibodies are produced or alpacas with persistent BVDV infection that do not produce BVDV antibodies.
Samples were received from 191 alpacas representing 39 herds in 20 states. Three participating herds (7.7%) had at least one alpaca with antibodies to BVDV and eight individual alpacas (4.2%) tested positive. Antibody titers ranged from 32 to 1024 against BVDV Type 1 and 16 to 128 against Type 2. Titers against BVDV Type 1 were consistently greater than titers against Type 2 indicating the alpacas were most likely exposed to Type 1. A second set of samples obtained from the same alpacas in 27 herds was collected an average of 5.6 months (range: 2.5 to 9.5 months) after the first sample set. Antibodies in previously negative alpacas would result from new BVDV infection acquired between sample dates. None of the herds or individual alpacas initially negative for antibodies against BVDV was positive at the second sampling. One of three previously positive herds submitted a second set of samples from 3 of the 5 alpacas initially sampled. Of these, one alpaca was negative at both samplings and a second alpaca with initial titers of 128 and 64 against BVDV Types 1 and 2, respectively, was negative at the second sampling. The third alpaca with initial titers of 1024 (Type 1) and 128 (Type 2) remained positive with titers of 1024 and 256 against BVDV Types 1 and 2, respectively. These results suggest that little or no transmission of BVDV infection occurred in the herds during the sampling interval.
Herd owners were asked to provide age, sex and breed of alpacas sampled and to complete questionnaires with details regarding herd size and composition, biosecurity practices, movement of alpacas on/off premises, occurrences of reproductive loss, ill heath or death, vaccination practices and presence of other animal species on the premises. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if positive VN tests were correlated with any of these factors, but no associations were found. This result should not be interpreted to mean there are no associations between exposure to BVDV and the various risk factors evaluated because the small sample size likely did not provide the statistical power necessary to detect them.
An Integrated Radiation Hybrid Map of the Alpaca, Warren E. Johnson,
PhD
Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick,
Maryland
A Morris Animal Foundation Project funded entirely by ARF
Genetic maps are useful in studying which genes are linked to inherited
traits and related topics such as infectious diseases, reproduction physiology,
behavior, nutrition and evolutionary history. Genetic maps for humans, dogs and
mice have increased the knowledge of these species; however, few genetic
resources have been developed for camelids. This study
is developing a map of the alpaca genome, which will help investigators identify
inherited traits in these animals. A better understanding of these traits will
immediately provide a benefit to the health of individual animals and entire
herd management. A genetic map also opens the doors for future studies that will
increase the knowledge of camelids.
Results:
Researchers developed several molecular genetic tools that will be used to
further alpaca research. These included development of a radiation hybrid panel
for mapping of genetic markers, which provides a preliminary map for analyzing
relationships between alpaca, human and cow genomes, and development of probes
for comparative cytogenetic analyses. These tools led to the alpaca being chosen
by the National Cancer Institute for whole genome sequencing, a process that
will be completed in 2007. This has led to the commitment of additional
resources for alpaca research and has increased the number of researchers
embarking on camelid research projects worldwide. Future identification of genes
and mutations will be critically important to alpaca breeders and researchers.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
in North American Alpaca Herds,
Clayton L. Kelling, DVM, PhD,
University of Nebraska
Funded by MAPACA
The major goal of this study was to determine the proportion of North American alpaca herds that are infected with BVDV by testing for the live virus as well as antibodies to the virus in crias under the age of 6 months. If the virus was found to be active in a herd, further testing was conducted to determine whether persistently infected carriers of the virus were present in the herd. The investigators are developing and helping implement a plan for eliminating carrier animals and establishing BVDV-free herd status. Cost effective monitoring strategies are being developed whereby owners can certify their herds as BVDV-free.
New Research Proposals: ARF is currently reviewing 18 new requests for funding submitted on April 1, 2008 in response to ARF’s annual request for proposals (RFP).
ARF and LMRG (Llama Medical Research Group) are also currently reviewing 11 new proposals submitted to the Llama and Alpaca Division of the Morris Animal Foundation. ARF and LMRG will make recommendations to MAF based on applicability and fundability of the proposals submitted to MAF.
Industry Relations
The LMRG (Lama Medical Research Group) was created 15 yrs ago and is composed of representatives of camelid groups that wish to support camelid medical research through the Morris Animal Foundation. The participating groups have varied over the years but currently are:
-Greater Appalachian Llama & Alpaca Assoc. (GALA)
-Llama Assoc. of Mid-Atlantic States (LAMAS)
-Canadian Llama & Alpaca Assoc. (CLAA)
-Ohio River Valley Llama Assoc. (ORVLA)
-Willamette Valley Llama Assoc.(WVLA)
-Southern States Llama Assoc. (SSLA)
-Llama Assoc. of North America (LANA)
-ARF (originally this was AOBA)
The LMRG ordinarily meets twice/yr largely to provide industry review of MAF pre-proposals and proposals relative to applicabilty and affordability. In addition, with each teleconference, representatives provide updates of research their respective organizations have been additionally supporting or about which they are knowledgeable. The LMRG handles no money but its representatives act to solicit financial support for MAF approved for funding by the Llama/Alpaca Division.
The annual Camelid Community Meetings are held early in August and are intended to serve as an open discussion forum for all aspects relating to llamas and alpacas. Each year, a representative from ARF presents a research update at the Camelid Community Meeting.
ARF Board Members ARF Development Committee
Alan (Abe) Rosenbloom, MD, President Kerry Anderson, President
Lisa Williamson, DVM, Vice President Peter Canning, PhD
Patrick Long, DVM, Treasurer Ruthanne McCaslin, DVM
Karen Baum, DVM, Secretary Susan Forman
Allan Dewald, MD, Director Lona Nelson Frank
Michelle Ing, DVM, Director Rachelle Black
Patricia Craven, PhD, Director Tsulan Balka
Randall Larson, DVM, Director
Special Announcements
Late Breaking News: ARF is issuing a special request for proposals to Provide the information necessary to help establish effective biosecurity procedures for protecting alpacas from corona virus and to test the safety and effectiveness of a commercially available bovine corona virus vaccine in alpacas
Please plan to attend the ARF Lecture which will be presented at the AOBA National Conference Saturday morning May 24, 2008
by
Lisa Williamson, DVM
Department of Large Animal Medicine
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and
Vice President of the Alpaca Research Foundation
“The Vampires Within: The Quiet Rise of Drug Resistant Wire Worms in Alpacas”
Summary: Many alpacas and llamas succumb each year to parasitic infections by worms that are resistant to de-worming medication. Dr. Williamson will present results from her survey of the prevalence of resistant worms in the Southeastern US and discuss the usefulness of a simple test for anemia that measures eye color to screen for the possible presence of resistant parasites.
Please don’t forget to support ARF by purchasing raffle tickets for a breeding to one of this year’s Spectacular Super Studs
Suri Stud: Sierra Bonita's Sirius Black
Our sincere thanks to Leslie & James Loveless of Sierra Bonita Farm, Mapleton,
UT
for their donation of a breeding to Sirius Black
Huacaya Stud: 4Peruvian Legacy 6016
Our sincere thanks to Sharon Brown and James S. Webb, Virginia Alpaca Farm &
Breeding Co., Leesburg VA
and Joe and Diane Nelson, Crescent Moon Ranch, Terrebonne, OR for their donation
of a
breeding to Legacy.
Tickets are $50 each. The drawing will be held at the gala banquet. You need
not be present to win.