Health evaluation of free-ranging guanaco (Lama guanicoe).

TLDR

Twenty free‑ranging guanaco were immobilized in Chubut Province, Argentina, and underwent hematology, serum chemistry, vitamin and mineral profiling, fecal parasite examination, and extensive serology for multiple viral and bacterial pathogens, with concurrent serologic sampling of 20 domestic sheep in the same reserve. All but two guanaco appeared healthy, none tested seropositive for any pathogen, while the sheep showed antibodies to several diseases, and parasite status did not affect guanaco external appearance or blood test values.

Abstract

Twenty free-ranging guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in Chubut Province, Argentina, were immobilized for health evaluations. All but two animals appeared to be in good condition. Hematology, serum chemistry, and vitamin and mineral levels were measured, and feces were evaluated for parasites. Serology tests included bluetongue, brucellosis, bovine respiratory syncitial virus, bovine viral diarrhea/mucosal disease, equine herpesvirus 1, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Johne's disease (Mycobacterium paratuberculosis), foot and mouth disease, leptospirosis (17 serovars), parainfluenza-3, and vesicular stomatitis. Blood samples from 20 domestic sheep (Ovis aries) maintained in the same reserve with the guanaco were also collected at the same time for serology tests. No guanaco had positive serologic tests. Sheep were found to have antibody titers to bovine respiratory syncytial virus, Johne's disease, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza-3. There was no apparent difference in external appearance or condition, or statistical difference in blood test values, between the animals that were positive or negative for parasite ova.