ARCHIVE: Veterinary surveillance: Camelids Llamas, alpacas,
guanacos and vicunas are collectively known as New World
Camelids. Originally they all came from Central America. They
are all members of the camelid family and are related to
Bactrian (two-humped) and Dromedary(one-humped) camels. Camelids
in the UK There are very few guanaco and vicunas in the UK and
these are largely confined to zoos. However there are increasing
numbers of alpaca and llama being kept as pets and for business
purposes. They can be kept for a variety of reasons. Llamas are
popular as field pets. They will live alongside other stock and
make good companions, for example, for lone ponies. They quickly
learn to wear a halter and to be led. Llamas can be taught to
pull a cart. Llamas can be walked for pleasure and will happily
carry a pack. A number of enterprises around the UK offer llama
treks. Llamas and alpacas have a double fleece; an outer guard
hair and a fine, soft undercoat much sought after by hand
spinners. Llamas do not hav