Presence of eimerias in weaned alpacas and control alternative without causing liver damage

Abstract

Considering eimeriosisin alpacasitis a fatal disease, raising the aim of providing an alternative to prophylactic control in alpacas. 30 weaned alpacas from CICAS “La Raya” of Cusco in August 2022were evaluated. These have been distributed in 3 groups of 10 alpacas. Toltrazuril was administered: group1(G1) 15 mg/kpv, group2 (G2) 22.5 mg/kpv and group3 (G3) control. Qualitative coproparasitological analysis of concentration by flotation. And quantitative analysis has been carried out using the modified McMaster method pre and post treatment. Possible liver damage was evidenced by serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). As results, 93.33% of weaned alpacas have presented eimeriosis. It has been shown a higher prevalence of E. macusaniensis(63.33%). In addition, 22.5 mg/kpv Toltrazuril partially controled E. macusaniensis. While 15 and 22.5 mg/kpv effectively control E. lamae. Furthermore, serum AST and ALT levels were 5.7 IU/L and 195.8 IU/L,respectively, post treatment with 22.5 mg/kpv Toltrazuril. In conclusion, Toltrazuril manages to control pathogenic eimeriae in alpacas, partially E. macusaniensis; buteffectively small eimeriae such as E. lamae. These doses do not alter liver function in weaned alpacas.