The program has many other research projects under consideration, yet it lacks sufficient funding to be able to carry out the research. Some projects the program would like to explore are:
UMASS AMHERST CAMELID STUDIES PROGRAM
STEPHEN R. PURDY, DVM, DIRECTOR
UMASS HADLEY FARM
111 NORTH MAPLE STREET
HADLEY, MA  01035
413-549-3820

All Camelid Research at UMass is dependant
on private donations.

The program’s research animals are housed at
the animal research and education center in South Deerfield, MA.

The program currently has two camelid research
projects in operation:
  • The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
       of meningeal worm disease in alpacas
       and llamas.
  • Semen evaluation and artificial insemination
       in camelids
Meningeal Worm Vaccine Project


  • We have 15 alpacas donated specifically for this project      from Alpacas of America in Washington State, a region       where P. tenuis (Meningeal Worm) infection is not present.
  • We are using frozen infective larvae mixed with an adjuvant to heighten the immune system response to hopefully confer protection against the natural disease when used as a crude vaccine.
  • Live larvae contained within capsules are implanted in two groups of alpacas to be removed to examine the immune system response.
  • The alpacas will have blood drawn biweekly to monitor antibody levels. Three worm proteins of interest have been previously been identified by Dr. Appleton’s lab at Cornell University..
  • If the trial is a success the alpacas that had the crude vaccine will be protected. If this is the case we will have shown that protection through vaccination is possible.
  • We hope that one of the candidate proteins will show sufficient antibody response to be considered for a subsequent vaccination and challenge trial
Semen Evaluation and Artificial Insemination in Camelids.





(More information coming soon...)
CAMELID RESEARCH AT UMASS:


-Exploring the use of camelid white blood cells to manufacture disease specific immunoglobulins for the treatment of animal and human bacterial, viral, and
neoplastic diseases.

-Investigation of neonatal blood tests as a means of predicting risk for infection and
need for preventative treatments.








Research Herd