Gut parasites of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) raised in Poland

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in alpacas on selected farms in Poland. In July and August 2019 and August 2021, 223 samples from six commercial farms were examined using coproscopic techniques. The total percentage of alpacas infected with intestinal parasites was 57.7%. Eggs of Nematodirus sp. were found in 28.9%, Trichostrongylus sp. in 15.5%, Strongyloides sp. in 13.4%, Camelostrongylus sp. in 11.3%, other strongyle-type in 12.4%, Trichuris sp. in 3.1%, Capillaria spp. in 2.1%, Oesophagostomum sp. in 1.0% and eggs of Moniezia sp. in 1.0% of individuals. Oocysts of Eimeria macusaniensis were found in 8.2%, Eimeria sp. in 4.1%, and Cryptosporidium sp. in 3.1% of animals. Redundancy analysis showed that parasites and their number in faeces were related to the individual's country of origin, sex and age. Females had significantly more eggs of parasites than males. More significant parasite infection was recorded in younger individuals. Moreover, the most infected were individuals from Germany. Some of the described parasites in tested alpacas have zoonotic potential. Due to the possibility of introducing parasites native to alpacas and acquiring species parasitising wild and farmed animals in Europe, permanent veterinary monitoring of animals imported from other regions is necessary.