Following on from yesterdays entry on parasites. De worming can be performed on a seasonal basis depending on your geographical location, open or closed herd, pasture – dry or irrigated, travel to shows, stocking density and so forth.
Periodic fecal sampling (as described yesterday) including fecal egg counts will provide you with information as to the types and numbers of parasites present. You should review your particular loaction with your veterinarian and in combination with fecal egg counts determine the best deworming program for your alpaca herd.
A general program for the Pacific Northwest where we are based would include twice a year treatment of all alpacas over 2-3 months. In the fall after a killing frost, the herd would be treated with an ivermectin-type product for intestinal worms, external parasites, and nose bots. Alpacas should be treated in the spring prior to majority of births with a fenbendazole-type product. The periodic fecal exams will determine if additional dewormings would be needed.

Several ranches do their own fecal samples and this is a good first line of attack however you really do have to know what you are doing and exactly what you are looking for. My own opinion is that my time is more effectively spent on the marketing aspects of the farm rather than on testing for worms. I can pay the vet to do that and have confidence in the results.
But that's just my opinion it is equally valid to do all the fecal testing yourself and pay someone to do the marketing activity.....as I sometimes say to new alpaca breeders you can do absolutely anything you want...its your farm and you're the boss. But you can't do everything because there just isn't time. So concentrate on the tasks you enjoy and can do well....

If you are thinking about buying alpacas then you need to do your homework before hand and we have a simple and easy to use buyers guide which you can read before going on a farm visit just to whet your appetite.