Alpacas have grown in popularity as UK farm animals but face welfare challenges from inappropriate nutrition, inadequate veterinary care, and dental disease.
Alpacas inappropriately managed on lush improved UK pasture develop obesity and associated metabolic diseases including hepatic lipidosis. Crias born in cold wet British springs face hypothermia mortality without adequate shelter and supplementary heat. Dental disease from inappropriate feeding causes chronic pain and reduced feeding efficiency in affected animals. Alpacas are prey animals with strong flight responses; poor handling techniques cause acute fear and stress. The rapid growth of the alpaca sector has outpaced veterinary specialist expertise and husbandry guidance availability.