Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
05:27
Immunization of Alpacas (Lama pacos) with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies
Published on: January 26, 2019
Sarcoptic mange in three alpacas treated successfully with amitraz
Peri Lau1, Peter B Hill, Jan Rybnícek
1Division of Companion Animal Studies, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. Peri.Lau@bristol.ac.uk
Veterinary Dermatology
|July 6, 2007
Summary
Amitraz topical solution effectively treated sarcoptic mange in alpacas unresponsive to other treatments. This study shows amitraz is a well-tolerated and successful option for managing this serious alpaca skin disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Sarcoptic mange is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in alpacas.
- Existing treatments like eprinomectin and doramectin were ineffective in these cases.
Observation:
- Three alpacas presented with severe pruritus, alopecia, erythema, scaling, crusting, and weight loss due to sarcoptic mange.
- These animals had not responded to previous topical eprinomectin and injectable doramectin treatments.
Findings:
- Topical amitraz (50 mL in 10 L), following antibacterial or keratolytic shampoos, completely resolved clinical signs of sarcoptic mange.
- No relapse was observed during a 10-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- Amitraz presents a viable, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for sarcoptic mange in alpacas, particularly when other drugs fail.
- This finding is crucial given the lack of licensed treatments for sarcoptic mange in UK alpacas.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...