The occurrence of coccidiosis among alpacas population

Coccidiosis is said to be the leading cause of diarrhea among cria. It is a dangerous parasitic disease whose etiological factor is the protozoan Eimeria spp. Parasites of Eimeria spp. Are classified as Apicomplexa (order Eimeriidae). They attack most of the farmed and accompanying animal species, such as: cattle, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, camelids (including alpacas) and birds (e.g. poultry). There are even 1700 species of this protozoan, usually a given species is specific to a specific host (e.g. species that attack poultry will not attack alpacas and vice versa), but due to the fact that all species of South American camelids are closely related, the same Eimeria species can attack alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and guanacos. Interestingly, however, camels have a slightly different "set" of coccidia species attacking them. Coccidia are especially dangerous to young animals, but the entire herd can be invaded, including adult animals.

The development cycle of coccidia

Infection with coccidia occurs through the ingestion - animals eat the invasive form of the parasite (oocysts). In the gastrointestinal tract, sporocysts are released, which, by dividing, form sporozoites that penetrate the epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa. There they reproduce asexually, creating schizonts, while they reproduce sexually. As a result of sexual reproduction, oocysts are formed, which, along with the faeces, are excreted into the external environment. Unfortunately, they are very resistant to even very unfavorable environmental conditions. Soil oocysts can survive for a minimum of several months to over a year. They feel great in the bedding and in places with high air humidity. Only severe frost (below -30 ° C) or temperature above 63 ° C can neutralize them. There are no such cold winters in the Polish climate, which additionally facilitates the survival of oocysts in the soil. On the plus side, the survival of coccidia may be limited by sunlight and very low air humidity. Therefore, it is important to ensure the appropriate microclimate conditions in the alpaca house and not to allow too high air humidity, which would facilitate the survival of parasites.

What species of coccidia attack alpacas?

There are five species of the genus Eimeria spp., Which are most often found among alpacas. They are: E. lamae, E. alpacae, E. punoensis, E. macusaniensis and E. ivitaensis. E. macusaniensis causes the most severe form of the disease, but other species can also be very dangerous, especially when a large number of oocysts enter the host's body. Often, together with E. macusaniensis infestation, an infestation of E. lamae and E. ivitaensis is observed. Archaeological research has shown that coccidia attacked llamas and alpacas even 1000 years ago! What species has attacked our alpaca can be determined by faecal examination. Ideally, it should be taken directly from the rectum to prevent contamination of the sample. The oocysts of individual species differ in size and color in the microscopic image, which makes it possible to recognize them. The DNA of the parasite is also used to identify the species.

Microscopic image of Eimeria oocysts: a) E. macusaniensis b) E. lamae c) E. alpacae d) E. punoensis.

From the article: Gomez-Puerta LA, Carrasco J, Robles K, Vargas-Calla A, Cribillero NG, Arroyo G, Castillo H, Lopez-Urbina MT, Gonzalez AE. 2021. Coccidiosis in clinically asymptomatic alpaca (Vicugna pacos) crias from the Peruvian Andes. Parasitology International, 85, 102438.

Symptoms of coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is very dangerous for cria (the younger the animal, the more dangerous it is to be invaded), whose immune system is not yet fully developed. If the environment is heavily polluted, infection can occur even a few days after the alpaca is born. Weakened, poorly nourished animals or those suffering from other diseases are also more vulnerable. The protozoan damages the cells of the intestinal mucosa, which causes its dysfunction. The first symptom that should raise serious concerns for the owner is watery or even hemorrhagic - diarrhea (sometimes with elements of exfoliated intestinal mucosa) and weight loss. In Great Britain and many other countries, coccidiosis is mentioned as the leading cause of diarrhea in cria. The young are weakened, they rely more often, they lose their appetite, they are lethargic. Less frequent are seizures and other neurological symptoms, colic, shortness of breath, salivation, abdominal distension, putrid odor from the mouth, heart murmurs and stiff gait. Adults can also have similar symptoms, although they are less common. Adults may be asymptomatic carriers, oocysts are detected in the stool examination, although there are no external symptoms. On the other hand, symptoms may occur even before the oocysts are excreted in the faeces (they may appear only 3 weeks after the parasite enters the host's body). The period from infection with the parasite to the onset of symptoms depends on the protozoan species, but usually it is 10-20 days (in the case of E. macusaniensis, even 33 days are given). The cause of diarrhea in cria does not have to be only the protozoan Eimeria spp. Therefore, in the event of symptoms, contact a veterinarian who will conduct a diagnosis.


The severity of disease symptoms depends on what species of parasite the alpaca has infected and how many oocysts it has swallowed. An important aspect is also the purchase of new animals. The stress of transportation and the need to adapt to a new environment can lower an animal's immunity and increase its risk of developing the disease. In addition, the herd residing in the same place (alpaca, pastures) becomes somewhat resistant to pathogens present there. The newcomer is just exposed to these pathogens and it is easier for him to develop various diseases. That is why it is so important to quarantine an animal after its arrival in a new place, not only in terms of reducing the risk of developing coccidiosis, but also other diseases. If we do not report the animal to the veterinarian immediately after noticing the symptoms, it may not survive. This is especially true for young cria and those with severe symptoms. After treatment, alpaca feces may remain loose for some time until the intestinal mucosa damaged by parasites is rebuilt.


Coccidia infestation is not only related to the costs of treatment and possible deaths of animals. Alpacas cannot be used for breeding or exhibitions during the period of treatment and convalescence. They absorb nutrients in the feed worse. The period of the disease can also be observed in the undergrowth, which in a place corresponding to the time when persistent disease may be noticeably worse.

Prophylaxis against coccidiosis

- Regular cleaning of boxes and pastures - the basic principle in the prophylaxis against coccidiosis is to ensure appropriate zoohygienic conditions in the alpaca and pasture. Oocysts are present in the litter and soil, therefore frequent cleaning of alpacas (every day after the animals have left the pasture) and the manure in the pasture (on average once a week or more often) can reduce the spread of the parasite in the environment of our animals. The upside is the fact that usually alpacas set up latrines in boxes and on pastures, in which they defecate, which was originally an adaptation to reduce the pollution of the environment in which they stay. Alpacas do not graze in and around latrines to prevent parasite contamination. However, if the pasture is too small or poor, animals can approach the latrines and nibble at the grass there, increasing the risk of contamination.

- Cria perinatal care - due to the fact that coccidia are particularly dangerous for cria, it is extremely important that the young drink good-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth, which will ensure immunity not only against pathogenic protozoa, but also other pathogens.

- Isolation of sick individuals - animals showing symptoms of the disease should be isolated from the rest of the herd. For alpacas, separation can be very stressful, but when it comes to health, there is unfortunately such a cost. You can always arrange an isolation room so that the animals can see each other, the most important thing is that healthy individuals do not come into contact with the faeces of a sick individual. If you have a large number of animals, the isolation of a single individual may be logistically difficult, the more so that the invasion of subsequent alpacas occurs very quickly, so it is better to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of the entire herd. Before releasing the animal from isolation, it is worth doing a control stool test.

- Faecal examination - alpacas do not deworms prophylactically. The best solution is regular faecal examinations (e.g. twice a year - before and after the grazing season) to detect whether and to what extent the herd is wormed, remember that some alpacas may have parasites and shed oocysts to the environment, not show external symptoms. Coccidia do well in a humid environment, so there is a greater risk of infection during periods of increased rainfall.

- Rotation of the quarters on the pasture - By default, the pasture is divided into smaller quarters due to the fact that you have several groups of animals (female, male, weeds). However, it is worth finding more plots (if you have the right acreage at your disposal) and use rotational grazing, thanks to which individual plots will be excluded from grazing for some time. This allows the sward to "rest" and reduces the amount of oocysts in the soil.
Coccidiosis is undoubtedly a dangerous disease that affects not only cria but also adult alpacas. It should be remembered that if you notice any symptoms that indicate infection with coccidia, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible and start diagnosis and treatment. Following the rules of prophylaxis may reduce the risk of coccidiosis in our herd, so it is worth following them.

Coccidiosis is undoubtedly a dangerous disease that affects not only cria but also adult alpacas. It should be remembered that if you notice any symptoms that indicate infection with coccidia, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible and start diagnosis and treatment. Following the rules of prophylaxis may reduce the risk of coccidiosis in our herd, so it is worth following them.

The author of the text: mgr inż. Joanna Kapustka, Department of Animal Ethology and Hunting, University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Written on 11/23/2021