Epidemiology of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae’ infection in South American camelids in Central Europe

Abstract

In this study we describe the prevalence of Mycoplasma haemolamae infection in South American camelids (SAC) located in central Europe (Switzerland and Germany). A newly developed real-time PCR assay was applied to detect M. haemolamae in SAC blood. Samples were collected from 225 llamas and alpacas and the prevalence was found to be 18.7% (n=42). Camelids bred domestically and imported from overseas were PCR-positive for M. haemolamae, though imported animals were more frequently positive. Older animals were significantly more likely to be infected compared to younger ones, but neither species, gender or health state were found to be statistically associated with infection. The study thereby raises questions about possible transmission routes between animals. Even though M. haemolamae doesn’t seem to be of high pathogenicity, it also needs to be considered as a possible cause of disease in SAC in Europe.