News and Links

News from the Alpaca Community:

National Alpaca Farm Day 2010 - Held on September 25th and 26th nationwide, the goal of the fourth annual National Alpaca Farm Day is to introduce the alpaca to the general public, showing all who visit nearby alpaca farms why we raise these beautiful and gentle animals. Here at Blue River Alpacas we will be open to the public from noon to 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 25th, and from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on September 26th. We'll have Bluegrass music, snacks, farm tours, and products made from alpaca fleece for you to see and touch. A list of the highlights of the day and directions to our farm can be found on our Alpaca Farm Day page. We hope you'll join us!

The West Nile Virus and the Alpaca - In September 2002, Iowa State University confirmed a case of WNV in an alpaca. Here are some links providing additional information about WNV:

Centers for Disease Control West Nile Virus site

International Society for Infectious Diseases ProMed page

Ohio State University's West Nile Virus Fact Sheet Index

US Geological Survey West Nile Virus Maps
(see how many cases have been reported in your county)

Microchipping: Alpacas now must be microchipped to be shown and to travel off their home farm. Here is a link to information about microchipping:

Camelid Identification Working Group

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus has been found to affect alpacas. Here are some links to information about this disease and how it affects alpacas:

Census of Confirmed Cases of BVDV Infection

Information on BVDV in Camelids

BVDV in Alpacas

Web Page News:


A complete Web site redesign is coming very soon for Blue River Alpacas! Trina is looking to do something completely new with the site when she migrates it over to different Web design software. Stay tuned for some exciting changes.

In the near future, look for additional sound clips of alpacas, and details on purchasing yarn (machine spun), and handknitted and alpaca products from us. We have established a farm store and have yarn and alpaca apparel for sale.

Links:

Would you like to know even more about alpacas? Please visit the below Web sites:

Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
This organization produces Alpacas Magazine, a wonderful publication designed for current and prospective alpaca owners and breeders.

Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America
What can you do with alpaca fiber? Click on this link and find out. Alpaca owners and breeders donate fiber to the cooperative that is turned into beautiful finished goods and yarn, all made in the US.

Useful-Items.com - Useful Llama and Alpaca Items
At this Web site you will find alpaca and llama supplies, gifts, books, videos, and more. We highly recommend this site!

International Camelid Institute
"World Class Information, Education and Support For Alpacas, Camels, Guanacos, Llamas & Vicuñas"

Camelid Research Program - College of Veterinary Sciences - Ohio State University
The Camelid Research Program is self-described as "the leading authority on issues of health and well being of camelids."