How to Treat Worms in Alpacas

What is Worming?

Worming refers to the act of administering medication to an animal (or human) in order to remove internal parasites such as round worm, lung worm and barber pole worm. Animals usually always have some level of worm burden but when this burden becomes too high, then worming is necessary.

What do we want to achieve? 

The aim is to maintain or reduce worm numbers to a burden level which is manageable for the alpaca, otherwise the alpaca becomes sick, malnourished, anaemic, depressed, lethargic, suffers diarrhoea, tissue damage and even death. But remember that it is normal for alpacas to be carrying some level of worm burden and will inevitably pick up more post-worming! It’s about keeping a relative balance. 

Non-medicinal aids to reduce worm burden

You can help to reduce worm burden by poo picking every 1-3 days, rotating and resting pasture every 6-8 weeks and following your quarantine protocol for new animals. Donkeys and horses can be rotated on grazing after alpacas (not with, as they can kick alpacas), as they eat, but are not affected by, the same parasites as alpacas. 

How often should I worm alpacas?

Adult alpacas should be checked for worms at least twice a year in May and October when worms are at their most prevalent using a Faecal Egg Count (FEC). Whether worming is required or not will depend upon the results of the FECs. Blanket worming adult alpacas is not recommended.

Why blanket worming is not a good idea

Blanket worming is not recommended as this can lead to medication resistance (like the over-prescription of antibiotics in humans), which can later render medicines useless. Guessing which medication to use may also render the process ineffective, as you need to choose a medication according to the type of parasite present, which requires an FEC (Faecal Egg Count). 

Exceptions to the blanket worming rule

Worm cria at weaning and if any young stock (up to 18 months) are living with animals affected by worms, treat them too as they are the most susceptible to worm burdens. Note: EMAC will not show in cria of 3 weeks or less, as the oocysts have not yet been produced/pushed out the rear, so if EMAC is suspected but not found, it could still be worth treating them. 

How do I know if my alpacas have worms?

Some worms may be evident in poo. Regardless of whether or not you can physically see worms in the poo, it’s good practice to carry out routine FEC (Faecal Egg Count) at the peak worm burden times which are usually in April/May, again in October/ November, but they can also be carried out in times of ill health or apparent discomfort. An FEC will determine the epg (eggs per gram) of existing worm eggs and coccidial oocysts.

Do I need to test every alpaca for worms?

It is recommended to test a minimum of 10 alpacas or a representative 10% of your herd - whichever number is higher. If doing a representative sample, select the most vulnerable alpacas (old / underweight / growing alpacas aged 6-18 months).

How to take the sample

If in the UK, you can send the sample(s) to Westgate Labs (cheaper service, but do not offer advice on treatment) or Camelid Veterinary Services (more expensive, but offer specialist camelid treatment advice) who will send you a kit and instructions on how to collect the sample.   

The Results

The results will come as epg (eggs per gram) count and the type of parasite found. The service may include advising whether treatment is required and which medication to use at what dosage rate - if it doesn’t, take the results to your vets for discussion.

What Medication Should I Use To Worm Alpacas?

The medication you require will depend upon the type of worm present, which your vet will be able to advise on once you have the FEC results. Note: Most wormers are safe for pregnant alpacas, BUT avoid ALBENDAZOLE (Albex, Tramazole, Albacert, Endospec) as these may cause birth defects. 

Should I move my alpacas to clean grass straight after worming?

No, do not move alpacas to fresh pasture after worming, as this can lead to alpacas ingesting medication resistant worms only. Instead, leave them on the 'dirty' at least a couple of weeks to allow them to ingest a mix of resistant and non-resistant worms to help avoid creating a medication resistant worm population. 

Check again

If treatment was given, carry out another FEC 10-16 days post-worming to look for a 95%+ decrease in the count. If there is only 90% reduction, resistance is starting and if there is less reduction that this, you have resistant worms present and need to consult your vet for an alternative plan of treatment. 

Helpful tool to keep on top of worms: 

Nematodirus forecast by SCOPS.

Disclaimer: Fostings Alpacas are not a veterinarian body. Always consult your vet before administering any medication to your herd.

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