Sarcoptes scabiei infection on an alpaca (Lama pacos)

Authors: Hill FI, Gillett R, McKenna PB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 53, Issue 3, pp 213, Jun 2005
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Camelid, Lamoid, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Parasites - external, New hosts/new diseases
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Sarcoptes scabiei has been reported on a number of hosts in New Zealand including the dog, ferret (Mustela putorius), pig, hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), llama (Lama glama) and human. We report here the first record of infestation with these mites on an alpaca (Lama pacos) in New Zealand. The mites were detected on an adult male alpaca that had been maintained for several years along with others on a property in the Wairarapa region of the North Island. The infestation manifested itself as pruritis and alopecia. On clinical examination thick, grey, hyperkeratotic crusts were visible firmly adherent to the skin of the medial surface of both hindlegs. Similar smaller and possibly more recent lesions were also evident on the animal’s face, which appeared to be the only affected alpaca on the property…

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