Outbreak of diarrhea among preweaning alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in the southern Peruvian highland

Abstract

Introduction: Infections, particularly diarrheal infections, are a major cause of neonatal death in South American camelids. The aim of this study was to identify the pathogens that could have caused the recent diarrhea outbreak among the alpacas in Silli, Cusco, located in the southern Peruvian highland. Methodology: Spleen, kidney, and intestine tissue along with fecal and intestinal lavage samples were obtained from 50 one-to five-week-old alpacas and analyzed for the presence of parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Results: Laboratory testing of the 50 crias included in this study revealed that 80% were infected with Eimeria spp., 40% with coronavirus, 34% with E. coli, 32% with rotavirus, 22% with Clostridium spp., and 20% with Cryptosporidium spp. Of these 50 alpaca crias, 20 presented with a single infection (19 positive for Eimeria spp. and 1 positive for rotavirus). Co-infections with up to four pathogens occurred in 60% of the samples. The significance of such infections is not clear, but it is noteworthy that the animals suffering from necrotic and/or hemorrhagic enteritis presented with quadruple infections. It is likely that co-infections increase the severity of the disease. Conclusions: These data show that multiple pathogens circulate among young alpaca crias and could be associated with diarrheal disease in these animals. The findings from this study warrant the provision of subsidies for future assessment of the potential economic impact of these infections on the productivity of the Peruvian alpaca industry.

Clostridial Abomasitis and Enteritis in Ruminants

“…Cases of C perfringens enteritis have been associated with concurrent coccidiosis in cattle and New World camelids. [79][80][81] Other factors, such as abomasal ulcers, coarse feed, foreign bodies, hairballs, and mineral deficiencies, may be associated with abomasal tympany and increase the risk of C perfringens overgrowth in the abomasum. 61…”

Key ecosystem services and ecological intensification of agriculture in the tropical high-Andean Puna as affected by land-use and climate changes

“…It is known that climate and management conditions affect alpaca susceptibility to diseases (Rojas et al, 2016). For instance, a diarrhea outbreak affected alpaca herds in southern Peru in 2010.…”

“…For instance, a diarrhea outbreak affected alpaca herds in southern Peru in 2010. Diarrhea is the most lethal disease in alpacas being responsible for 44% of the mortalities (Rojas et al, 2016). Although climate has been accepted as an important driver of the proliferation of these enteric diseases (Rojas et al, 2016), studies analyzing and forecasting its frequency and severity are still missing.…”

“…Diarrhea is the most lethal disease in alpacas being responsible for 44% of the mortalities (Rojas et al, 2016). Although climate has been accepted as an important driver of the proliferation of these enteric diseases (Rojas et al, 2016), studies analyzing and forecasting its frequency and severity are still missing. The development of models such as those proposed by Crespo-Pérez et al (2015), considering pests and diseases proliferating in the ecoregion is thus required.…”

Expresión de los Genes de los Receptores TCR-delta en la Mucosa Yeyunal de Crías de Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

“…Se han hecho importantes avances en la identificación de los agentes infecciosos y se ha determinado la participación de las bacterias Clostridium perfringens y E. coli, de los rotavirus y coronavirus y de los parásitos Eimeria spp y Cryptosporidium spp en los complejos entéricos de las crías (Rojas et al, 2016); sin embargo, existe escaso conocimiento de la respuesta inmune de la mucosa intestinal de las alpacas, sobre todo de las crías, que permita comprender la participación del sistema inmune en el desarrollo de la fisiopatología de las enfermedades y los mé-todos para tratarlas y prevenirlas. No obstante, el tracto intestinal es una de las principales puertas de entrada para los microorganismos patógenos y, a su vez, una de las superficies corporales donde tales microorganismos se detectan y son combatidos (Tizard, 2002;More, 2013).…”