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Report submitted by Norma Stevens      mailto:msllama@aol.com





     9-19-2002  * *  ILRC Animal Health Bulletin * *   West Nile Virus

The Government Relations/Animal Health working group is now functioning
independently from ILR as the International Lama Relations Committee.   The
ILRC has been monitoring situations in which a llama is alleged to have
West Nile Virus in Mass and another involving an alpaca in the West and we
wanted to share with you this update.  Please pass on to your members and
mail lists.

The case of alleged WNV in a llama in Mass involved a llama that died in
June.  This is NOT a confirmed case of WNV as the case involved is one with
suspect serology, no post mortem conclusions and no confirmed clinical
diagnosis. A full investigation will take time and if done, may not ever be
scientifically conclusive.   Unfortunately, yesterday morning we received
confirmation from the Iowa State University Veterinary Lab that West Nile
Virus has been confirmed in an alpaca.  The clinical signs, lesions in the
brain and virus detection in the body tissues all support this was in fact
a case of WNV.  We also learned the lab has also recently confirmed WNV in
a sheep.  Both the alpaca and the sheep had been recently introduced to
their respective herds raising the question of whether stress was a
contributing factor to their development of clinical disease.

This is not a lama emergency situation and owners should not over react or
draw improper conclusions based upon news reports, chat lines, incomplete
or inaccurate science. There is insufficient information available at this
time to determine how susceptible camelids are to WNV or if this was an
exceptional case, though we obviously now know camelids are capable of
becoming infected with West Nile Virus.  It is recommended that extra
precaution and care be taken by camelid owners in high WNV risk areas to
reduce mosquitoes by draining sources of standing water and thereby
reducing places they lay their eggs and breed. The CDC further recommends:
                                                                            
       At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food
       and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, 
       and cans                                                             
       Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out                    
       Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water     
       Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard  
       to see, such as under bushes or under your home                      
                                                                            



We will continue to bring you any additional news on this and other
important animal health issues.   Please do not hesitate to contact us with
any questions.

Dan Goodyear:            Ph: 610-488-6666     email:   BALDAN@aol.com
Marsharee Wilcox:        Ph: 410-374-3783     email: evllamas@bellatlantic.net
Teri Nilson Baird:       Ph: 303-646-4373     email: teri@brokenwindmill.com
Karen Conyngham:   Ph: 512-328-8715     email:   72040.3361@compuserve.com
Susan Tellez:            Ph: 409-866-0247     email:   Sztellez@aol.com
 

A second e mail was sent to me after I asked a few questions about distribution and location of the known cases, since it appears that rumors are running rampant



In CA, The CA Dept of Health Service confirmed on 9-12-02 a woman form LA
had been exposed to WNV.   To date, I do not believe that any animals have
been confirmed in CA.   That is a bit strange, since this woman had not
traveled out of state so hers was reported as the first in CA case though
it was announced as "probable".   Usually there are birds and other
sentinel animals that are detected.     A great site for people in CA to
monitor is http://westnile.ca.gov/CA_WNV   This will post the most current
info for the state on a regular basis.

The testing can take a few weeks, depending on the work load of the lab..
The state labs can do some of it and some may be sent off, like the PCR
tests, at least as I understand it.  It will also depend on the work load
of the lab as to how fast results get it.   So, to date, I have not heard
of any CA camelids, but unfortunately, that does not mean it cannot be
true.

I will keep you posted on any new developments on this and other animal
health stuff that we are monitoring.  Thanks!!  (Marsharee Wilcox)

This page will be updated with any further information as received.

Norma Stevens
 

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