Prevalence and risk factors associated to Eimeria spp. infection in unweaned alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from Southern Peru

Abstract

A total of 350 faecal samples from unweaned alpacas over 3 months of age were collected from 23 herds in order to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in Southern Peru and to identify the risk factors associated to Eimeria infection in young alpacas. Samples were examined by a flotation technique and the identification of risk factors was assessed by a logistic regression analysis. Sixty four percent of the examined animals shed Eimeria oocysts; herd prevalence was 96%, with an intra-herd prevalence of 60% (range 5.9-100%). Five different Eimeria species were identified, being E. lamae (91%), E. alpacae (87%) and E. punoensis (78%) the most prevalent; E. macusaniensis (35%) and E. ivitaensis (13%) were less common. Mixed-species infections were more frequent (78%) than single infections (22%). E. lamae was the most common monospecific infection and E. lamae/E. alpacae the most frequent association. The geographical area has a significant effect on Eimeria infection rates (74.9% wet Puna vs 37.4% dry Puna) as well as the breeding system (65.1% traditional vs 63.8% modern). In contrast, the sex of the animals (64.6% males vs 64.0% females) showed no influence on the prevalence of infection by Eimeria. The high prevalence found at both individual and herd level and the common presence of highly pathogenic Eimeria species may lead to important economic losses for alpaca breeders and could require the implementation of suitable control measures.

A review of coccidiosis in South American camelids

“…Little is known of camelid coccidiosis in the wild (Leguía 1991;Mamani Paredes et al 2009;Cafrune et al 2014). However, Eimeria infections can be pathogenic in camelids dependent on age, concurrent infections, environmental conditions, stress of captivity and transportation, and nutrition in general (Díaz et al 2016). Some of these factors have been investigated.…”

“…I have used the genus Lama for all four species. Traditionally, they are distributed at high altitudes (3600-5400 m) in South America where they are source of meat, hide, fiber, transport and their feces are used for fuel and fertilizer (Díaz et al 2016). In many countries, such as the USA, they are reared for recreation and the commercial product is a live animal.…”

Two centrifugal flotation techniques for counting gastrointestinal parasite eggs and oocysts in alpaca faeces

“…Traditionally, alpacas are kept in an extensive grazing system on pastures on the slopes of the Andes, with Peru being the major alpaca-producing country in the world. Typical uses for alpacas there are for meat, hides, fibre, and transport, and their droppings are used as fuel and fertiliser (4). The species has become widely distributed outside its natural habitat and is now reared in various countries including Australia (14), Japan (10), the USA (16), England and Wales (9), Sweden (2) and Poland (11).…”

Gametogony ofEimeria macusaniensisGuerrero, Hernandez, Bazalar and Alva, 1971 in llama (Lama glama)

“…South American camelids consists of at least three species, llamas ( Lama glama ), alpacas ( Lama pacos ), guanacos ( Lama guanicoe ) and vicunãs ( Vicugna vicugna ); their generic distinction is controversial. Traditionally, they were distributed at high altitudes (3600–5400 m) in South America where they are source of meat, hide, fibre and transport, and their feces are used for fuel and fertilizer (Díaz et al 2016). In many Western countries, they are reared for recreation and the live animal is the commercial product.…”

“…Six species of Eimeria are named from camelids: E. macusaniensis , Eimeria lamae , Eimeria alpacae , Eimeria punoensis , Eimeria pervuiana and Eimeria ivitaensis (Yakimoff, 1934; Guerrero, 1967; Guerrero et al 1971; Leguia and Casas, 1998; Cafrune et al 2009; Díaz et al 2016). Of these, E. macusaniensis is the most prevalent and considered most pathogenic; mixed infections are common (Palacios et al 2006; Cebra et al 2007).…”