Paratuberculosis in South American camelids: two independent cases in alpacas in Germany

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis that affects domestic and wild ruminants and camelids. The disease has rarely been reported in alpacas in Germany. This publication describes epidemiologically independent cases of paratuberculosis in two alpacas in Germany.

Two alpacas, a 26-year-old female zoo animal (case 1) and a 2.5-year-old breeding stallion from a private owner (case 2), presented with progressive emaciation, leading to death (case 2) or euthanasia (case 1) because of deteriorating general condition. In both cases typical granulomatous lesions in the intestinal mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes were found. In case 2, other lymph nodes were severely enlarged and MAP was detected in the mandibular lymph node, lung, and liver by qPCR. The MAP isolates differed between the alpacas, with two distinct phylogenetic clades (Clade 1 and 8) within Subgroup A of the MAP-C type group and two distinct INMV profiles (INMV 2 and 1) found. These genotypes have been identified in cattle and goats in different regions in Germany. The genotype isolated from case 1 has been detected in goats from the zoo since 2011, indicating transmission between these species.

MAP can cause severe clinical disease in alpacas of variable age and under different husbandry conditions. Therefore, paratuberculosis should be considered for differential diagnosis in alpacas with emaciation and poor general condition. Although not definitely shown, cross-species infection between ruminant species and camelids is exceedingly likely.