AlpacaWatch Statement of Purpose and Use

AlpacaWatch, AW, is an interactive site where users can both post information concerning health issues, outbreaks of illness, or other challenges facing the American Camelid herd, and freely read of the problems other shepherds are facing. Its Purpose is to provide early notice to the Alpaca Industry of events concerning the health of our alpacas as well as to provide a clearing house for the camelid veterinary community where these vets may exchange information about camelid problems they have observed in practice, discuss proposed treatments and freely exchange ideas. Alpaca Watch was formed in the crucible of need. Although it is a “free” site, there have been some costs associated with its creation and maintenance; so donations are welcome and will be maintained solely for the expenses connected with creation and maintenance of this site.

All users are encouraged to ensure that AW gives the best service to the community by doing two essential things:

1. First, each and every member must pledge to report any and all local occurrences of illness in their own alpacas as well as local problems for their area in a factual, timely and complete manner: “Dragnet” style…”Just the facts, ma’am!”
    
2. Second, each and every member needs to check the site from time to time and also ensure that their local veterinaries are aware of this valuable resource, remembering to react to postings here with cool and measured deliberation, rather than a stampede attitude.

Our veterinaries will have access to and will be able to exchange to “up to the minute” information as well as draw upon the collected wisdom and support of their camelid savvy colleagues in designing treatments to successfully deal with industry health issues before they can become a danger to the American herd.

So long as all members of the Alpaca industry pledge to do these two things consistently, this site will work well; both protecting the industry and offering an opportunity for its members to be proactive through sharing of accurate and timely information concerning alpaca health through discussion and site postings.

AlpacaWatch makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the reports and postings of its members, but does take every possible caution to ensure that reports are factual and accurate. For that reason AW does reserve the right to withhold reports or remove postings which appear obviously inaccurate or outrageously inflammatory.  AlpacaWatch strongly recommends that information shared here be discussed with your local veterinary professionals before undertaking a course of action with regard to your own herd.