Staying informed about best practices helps ensure that camelids receive the highest quality of care. The Tennessee Alpaca Association (TAA) and UT College of Veterinary Medicine sponsor the bi-annual Camelid Conference to provide up-to-date and practical information for New World camelid (alpaca and llama) owners and veterinarians. Attendees will also enjoy networking opportunities with experts and fellow owners.
The conference will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine’s Teaching and Learning Center located at 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN. Alpaca and llama owners and their veterinarians will learn about specific health concerns of camelids and the latest research at UT. Veterinarians can earn seven hours of Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
The cost for Tennessee Alpaca Association members is $50 and $75 for non-members. Veterinarians can attend at no charge but should still register. Registration deadline is Tuesday, July 30. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.
Topics include rehabilitation and supportive care for down and neurologic animals, neonatal care, using Expected Progeny Differences in breeding decisions, use of medications, recognizing and controlling pain, parasite management, pasture management, and dental disease. Nine 45-minute lectures are scheduled.
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30am | Welcome: Camelid services at UTCVM, Herd Wellness Program, and Extension | Dr. Carla Sommardahl & Jessy Shanks |
| 9:00am | Camelid education and research at UT | Dr. Andi Lear |
| 9:45am | Rehabilitation and supportive care for down and neurologic animals | Dr. Tena Ursini |
| 10:30am | BREAK | |
| 10:45am | Neonatal care: tips and tricks on the farm | Dr. Caroline Griffin |
| 11:30am | Breeding: understanding and using EPDs in breeding decisions | Dr. Troy Rowan |
| 12:15pm | LUNCH | |
| 1:15pm | The medicine cabinet – what to have on hand and when to use it | Dr. Lew Strickland |
| 2:00pm | Pain in camelids: recognizing signs and how to control pain | Dr. Joe Smith |
| 2:45pm | BREAK | |
| 3:00pm | Parasites: management tools | Dr. Casey Neal |
| 3:45pm | Pasture management | Dr. Katie Mason |
| 4:30pm | Dental disease: management and care | Dr. Cassie Klostermann |
| 5:15pm | ADJOURN | |
| Thank you for joining us! |
