Control of the Sheep Tick
The sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) is found throughout the UK but is more common on moors and heath land. It has two nymph stages which normally are spent on smaller animals before the adult bites the alpaca.
The presence of ticks on alpacas can be difficult to ascertain due to the fleece coverage – they may be seen (or possibly felt) if present on the nose, eyes, ears or other areas with less fibre; or possibly seen on the body at shearing time.
The tick can cause four conditions;
- It can cause anaemia and debility from blood ingestion
- It can spread diseases e.g. Babesiosis and louping ill
- It can cause a severe infection called Tick Pyaemia
- It can cause local abscessation
Moxidectin injections can be used for tick control.
There are special tick removal ‘tools’ for dogs and cats which may be useful on alpacas. When removing a tick it is important to not leave the head in the animal as this can lead to infection/abcess.
Disclaimer: The management practices detailed in this overview do not constitute veterinary advice. Any alpaca appearing to have an adverse condition should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Information sheet reproduced from the British Alpaca Society.