Parasitism in llamas

Llamas in North America are infected with a number of helminth parasites, including: gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworms, meningeal worms, tapeworms, and flukes. Most of these helminths can be treated with the anthelmintic currently used to treat cattle and sheep. At least two protozoan parasites, coccidia and toxoplasma, have been reported in the llamas in North America. Coccidia can be controlled with the anticoccidial drugs used to control these organisms in other domestic animals. Toxoplasma has been reported uncommonly in llamas in North America and control is very difficult. Several external parasites occur in llamas in North America, including lice, mites, ticks, and the deer nasal bot. Except for the deer nasal bot, the other external parasites in the llama can be treated with pesticides approved for use in cattle.