
Question:
As per our phone conversation, do you have any documentation of alpacas carrying Staph or Strep infection that can be transmitted by a puncture bite?? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks for your attention and help.
Answer:
I hope you are feeling well. I am sorry I could not provide any documentation for known staph or strep infections resulting from Lama bites. All mammals carry their own species of staph and strep organisms in their respiratory systems and on their skin, so camelids are no exception. However, what we are not able to comment on is any epidemiological studies to document the incidence of wound infections resulting from camelid bites. Fortunately, it is not a terribly common thing.
However, the real point is this... We are not qualified to comment about whether or not you should take antibiotics, that is strictly the territory of your physician. So, follow her/his recommendations regarding antibiotic use with the knowledge that we just don't know what the real risk is but that camelids do carry strep and staph organisms, among many, many others.
Good luck and keep in touch.
Tracy J Miesner, DVM