[Sylvia]

I've just read an ad. for alpaca wethers which states that no paperwork is needed for them. Is this so? 

[Roxy]

I have a llama ....and when I got him, there wa no movement forms to fill in, he has no ear tag or anything, so assume alpacas are under the same ruling.  I did tell DEFRA I had him, because of us being in a TB area, but they did say I was not under any obligation to declare having a camelid.  Seems odd, that they can be moved with no restrictions, but there it is!!

[Sylvia]

I wonder why? Does anyone know?

[blades]

Suspect it may mean no BAS (British Alpaca Society) paperwork?? Certainly in Scotland you do not have to notify any authority regarding alpaca movements.... that said it is also my understanding that DEFRA are looking to change this, this year!

I hope this helps

[Sylvia]

No, apparently you don't even need a CPH number according to the advertisers!

[SallyintNorth]

I don't get it.  Camelids can get and presumeably carry TB, what the £>$k are these bureaucrats on?

[blades]

I don't get it.  Camelids can get and presumeably carry TB, what the £>$k are these bureaucrats on?

Again.... from what I understand alpacas (cannot comment on all camelids) currently do not have a test that is 100% accurate. In the past animals tested and thought to be carriers were put down and during post mortom found to be TB free. Similarly, alpacas tested and found clear have been tested further (due to other illness / accident) and during PM found to be carriers. I know the BAS is working very hard with other organisations to develop a reliable and accurate test.

[lachlanandmarcus]

The cattle test isnt 100% accurate either but it's still compulsory....

[SallyintNorth]

Whether or not they can be reliably tested for TB, if they can be moved around the country with no paperwork at all...  Well, I'm just speechless, really. 

[Anke]

Camelids are classed as "zoo" animals, not livestock, because we do not eat them. So you can move them around the country as you please, also owners do not have to consent to a TB test, nor will they be slaughtered, as far as I know....

[BadgerFace]

Does seem odd that they require no paperwork.  I assume Camelids can be infected/carry  Foot and Mouth disease just like any other cloven-hoofed animal ?

[lachlanandmarcus]

Not sure of F&M but some of them def have TB! I wouldnt buy one if it hasnt been tested.

[SallyintNorth]

I've been told that there is no reliable test for TB for - oh, um, was it just alpacas?  Someone will know.. 

[woollyval]

I know several people who have had TB in their alpacas and several people who have had to have them put down because of it or they have died from an unknown illness I personally think it totally irresponsible that these animals can be moved around like pet cats and can therefore infect badgers and cattle in clean areas. It is shameful as it is potentially affecting livelihoods nevermind animal welfare.....

[Roxy]

We had a TB outbreak on our farm a few years back, resulting in cows being slaughtered.  I spoke with a DEFRA vet. regardng my goats, and told them about the llama.  They advised me to pasteurise the goats milk, but said they were not going to test either my goats or the llama - although neighbouring farms cows etc. were all tested at the time.  My own vet has atually said that should the ministry require my llama to be TB tested they can come and do it themselves, as he will not be doing a llama