Although the storm that started earlier this year has now died down every show and farm still insists on each alpaca having a negative BVDV test result whether its to enter a show or just to go for a breeding. Similarly anyone with a female is very keen to make sure the farm where the stud resides is BVDV free.

Several farms in our area now have disinfectant baths for visitors to walk through or bootees for them to wear over their regular shoes.

I guess the North American herd must be pretty close to being BVDV free now but there is always the chance of cross infection and the main risk is cattle.



Where alpacas graze next to cattle there are precautions that you can take.

A hot wire to keep the cattle away from the fence is a good idea. This also protects the fence from damage
Spraying the fence line to kill vegetation means there is nothing to attract either the cattle or the alpacas to the fence.

BVD is here to stay but in the alpaca industry we can keep it at bay by being vigilant and testing all new arrivals.

Speaking of which I wish my new arrivals would get a move on.....


Adrian Stewart