Christopher Cebra, VMD
Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Use of a Fecal PCR to Detect Eimaria macusaniensis Infection in Camelids
$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.