Contributors

Stephen Mulholland has had alpacas since 2003 and llamas since 2004. Stephen became interested in issues of camelid health in 2004 when one of his initial alpaca died, and questions about causes of death to experienced breeders produced unsatisfying results. Stephen tries to apply his science background (PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics) to improve how we manage camelids to maximize their health, welfare and productivity. He has worked with the NZ Llama Association and the Alpaca Association NZ since 2005 by writing articles for their respective trade magazines as well as doing original research into the morbidity, mortality and management of camelids in NZ. Stephen also participated in the drafting of the new Code of Welfare for Llamas and Alpacas, leading the team that reviewed submissions on the first draft and creating the draft that was submitted to MPI for review by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

Chuck Rademacher, Kaipara Pines. Running over 170 alpacas on his Helensville farm, Chuck is a New Zealand expert in managing the risks and recovery of alpacas from facial excema and haemonchus contortus, the barber’s pole worm.

Keith Payne,  Big Ears Llama Ranch. Keith is an avid trekker and has built up a wealth of information about how to train and trek with llamas safely.  Keith has been deeply involved with the development of a Pack Trial Certification System for llamas in New Zealand.

Nicki Crossis a Technical Advisor in the Animal Welfare Team at the Ministry for Primary Industries. Nicki has a Ph.D in animal behaviour and neuroscience and has worked in the field of animal welfare for 15 years. Her main role at MPI is providing technical assistance to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in the development of codes of welfare. Her role at MPI enabled her to be involved in the development and issue of the Code of Welfare for Llamas and Alpacas.

Andrew Dart University Teaching Hospital Camden, University of Sydney, has been offering a surgical and medical referral service for South American Camelids for over 25 years and has authored numerous papers in refereed journals describing new surgical approaches and surgical and medical conditions in alpaca.