The program encompasses:
- undergraduate and graduate teaching
- veterinary and owner seminars
- practical humane research projects
- laboratory and outpatient services for alpacas and llamas
- Internship and work opportunities for students
The program is under the direction of Stephen R. Purdy, DVM; an experienced camelid practitioner and speaker at national and regional veterinary and owner meetings.
The program started in April of 2005 after a generous contribution from Ian and Jennifer Lutz of Cas-Cad-Nac Farm in Perkinsville, Vermont, provided funding for initial salary and start up costs.
The camelid barn at the university’s farm (Hadley Farm) is used to house the program’s teaching and breeding herd.
An anonymous donor made a very generous donation to the farm in order for the program to have a teaching lab constructed (which is also used for laboratory and outpatient services).
Several alpaca breeders have donated non-breeding
animals, breeding females, and stud services to help
us reach some of the main goals of the program.
