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ALPACAS
MAGAZINE
s time goes on and members in the alpaca
industry change, maybe it’s time to inform
our new friends just what the Alpaca
Research Foundation (ARF) is all about, ARF’s history,
and mission, and the practical day-to-day role it plays
in the lives of both the animals it is dedicated to serve
AND the humans charged with their care.
The ‘life’ of ARF had its beginning in 1997 when
the Alpaca Research Trust was established as a “non-
profit corporation for charitable, educational and
scientific purposes” by the ARI Board of Directors.
In 2003, what is now known as the Alpaca Research
Foundation (ARF) became an independent 501c3
non-profit organization. Due to its 501c3 status,
ARF is able to accept tax deductable donations.
ARF is the only organization in North America that
is devoted solely to the funding of research that ben-
efits alpacas. Funding areas include alpaca health,
husbandry, genetics and fiber. ARF only funds re-
search that is critically evaluated for scientific sound-
ness and applicability using the peer-review process.
Since its inception, ARF has been dedicated to fund-
ing medical and scientific research aimed at improving
the health and vitality of North American alpacas. In
addition to reviewing, funding and monitoring studies
submitted to ARF, the organization works closely with
the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), a large non-
profit devoted to funding research to benefit compan-
ion animals, including camelids. ARF helps MAF to set
priorities for research funding and provides monetary
support for projects administered through the Llama
and Alpaca division of MAF. The partnership between
ARF and the MAF allows your donation to be leveraged to
support larger and more costly alpaca research projects.
The Alpaca Research Foundation is operated entirely
by volunteers. There are no paid administrators or
employees. The very small amount of “overhead”
encountered is paid for by using the interest that
“banked” donations generate.
The all-volunteer ARF board of directors is currently
composed of Abe Rosenbloom, MD, president; Lisa
Williamson, DVM, vice president; Patrick Long, DVM,
treasurer; Michelle Ing, DVM, secretary; Patricia Cra-
ven, PhD; Randy Larson, DVM; and Karen Baum, DVM.
The all-volunteer development committee is com-
posed of Susan Forman, chair; Ruthanne McCaslin, DVM;
Lona Nelson Frank; Tsulan Balka; Marilyn Scoggins; and
Donna Higgason.
A
All About the
Alpaca Research Foundation
BY SUSAN FORMAN
Some findings resulting from Alpaca Research Foundation funded studies:
A vaccine that alpaca breeders can use to prevent EEE,
a form of encephalitis that has killed several alpacas.
A protocol for use of a drug called pantoprazole
that can help prevent ulcers in alpacas.
Identification of a Coronavirus that killed several
alpacas by causing a respiratory infection known
as snots.
Determination of the prevalence of BVDV in North
American alpaca herds to help put rules and
recommendations in place that prevented the
spread of BVDV in alpacas.
A better understanding of how alpaca semen works
that will help in the development of protocols for
artificial insemination.
A protocol for the use of an oral antibiotic in alpacas that
makes it easier for breeders to administer antibiotics.
A test that will help breeders evaluate luster in
suri alpaca fleece.
A protocol for the early detection of E. mac, a type
of coccidia, in alpaca feces that will lead to more
successful treatment outcomes at a lower cost to
breeders.
A map of the alpaca genome that can be used to
develop genetic tests that will help breeders identify
animals that carry inheritable diseases and favorable
fiber traits.
Demonstration that a drug that breeders had been using
to treat ulcers in alpacas was, in fact, not working.