Crossroads Veterinary Services (706) 743-7614 or (706) 224-3200

An Eperythrozooon species affecting camelids has recently been reclassified as Mycoplasma haemolama based on its 16s rRNA sequence. M. haemolama was first described in 1990. It is associated with mild to marked anemia and rarely, death, in stressed, immune-suppressed, and debilitated camelids. It has also been identified in low numbers in apparently healthy camelids. Some camelid herds with high rates of M. haemolama based on blood smear examination have experienced acute collapse, chronic weight loss, depression, and lethargy. These clinical signs, and the presence of the hemoparasite on blood smears are sometimes associated with shipping or movement of camelids from one premise to another.

The mode of transmission is not known and little had been reported about prevalence, the effects of treatment on the carrier state, and the pathogenesis of infection and disease with this hemoparasite. This has led to confusion among veterinarians and owners as to whether all infected camelids and their herdmates should be treated and how finding the hemoparasite on blood smears from clinically-healthy camelids should affect pre-purchase exams and shipping of animals.

Recent studies have shown the following:

• Parasitemia is not cleared by the standard tetracycline regime used in camelids.

• Once infected, many camelids may become chronic carriers.

• The PCR assay is more sensitive than blood smear exam for diagnosis of M. haemolama.