Worming and Caring for Alpacas and Llamas

Treat only when needed

Worming every animal by routine speeds up wormer resistance. Testing a group before treatment shows whether a wormer is needed, and a follow-up test shows whether it worked. Crias and animals in poor condition are the groups most worth testing.

Choosing a wormer

Most wormers are not licensed for alpacas and llamas, so they are used under the direction of your vet, who will choose the product and dose. Dose by weight, and do not under-dose. Resistance has been reported, so check treatment has worked with a follow-up test.

How to take a sample

• Collect fresh dung, ideally from that morning, from the communal dung pile or as an animal passes it
• Sample several animals from the same group and mix them into one pot
• Use a separate kit for each group of different age or grazing
• Use the spoon and gloves in the kit, seal the pot and post it Monday to Wednesday

Reducing the worm burden

• Pick up dung from the pasture and dung piles regularly, as this breaks the worm life cycle
• Rotate grazing and avoid heavy stocking, especially of young animals
• Avoid sharing pasture with sheep and goats, as they share many worms
• Keep new and bought-in animals separate, and test them before turning out
• Drain wet areas that hold snails and larvae
• Keep records of treatments and counts