Introduction

Why are quality health checks important? The first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses.

There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Some diseases can be spread between animals of different species whereas some diseases can only be spread within animals of the same species.

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted between animals and people, and are a considerable health risk for event visitors and exhibitors alike (Conrad et al., 2017). Therefore, certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people.

This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for llamas and alpacas (camelids). In addition, prior to attending an animal exhibition or event, exhibitors can use this resource to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.

Per the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, "…all animals and poultry entered at fairs and shows must be in good health and in proper physical condition and will be examined at the exhibition by the barn superintendent. Evidence of poor condition or infectious or contagious disease or failure to produce the necessary documents for health certification, vaccination or testing will result in ejection." (2025, p. 1). Certain conditions and observations noted within this fact sheet may not pose a significant public or animal health risk. In such cases, decisions regarding an animal's eligibility for exhibition should be made in consultation with event leadership and/or the on-call veterinarian.

Getting started

Health checks should be completed right outside the vehicle used for transportation. Do not permit the animal to be walked through the fairgrounds, barns, or venue before confirming its health status; an unhealthy animal can spread disease during this commute.

Wear gloves and change them in between groups of animals and after evaluating an animal with a suspected or confirmed health concern. Follow any additional policies advanced by fair or event leadership and your state’s Department of Agriculture.

Identification

Alpacas and llamas (camelids) should comply with all state animal health regulations. In Connecticut, that includes having a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 30 days of the first show by an accredited veterinarian with any required testing (state specific) performed and recorded on the CVI. The CVI should include permanent identification (microchip, tattoo, or ear tag), and state that the animal is in good health and free of obvious signs of contagious disease (Connecticut Department of Agriculture, 2025).  Typically, microchips are found at the base of the left ear in camelids.

General appearance

The animal should be alert and should bear weight on all four legs without signs of pain. The camelid should exhibit a sufficient body condition score for its physiological state (i.e., growing, maintenance, lactation). Any covers or equipment blocking your view should be temporarily removed to allow a complete visual check. There should be no signs of injury, open wounds, depression, neurological issues, or bloating.

Nose, eyes, and mouth

Eyes should be clear and should not be expressing any discharge. There should be no signs of clouding, inflammation, or injury to the eyes. The animal should not exhibit any signs of respiratory distress, including coughing, wheezing, or sneezing.

There should be no signs of crust or purulent discharge from the nose. There should be no loud sounds associated with breathing. There should be no signs of hair loss or thick scaly skin on the nose bridge as this can be indicative of a mite infestation. (Wiedner, 2025). There should not be any excessive drooling from the mouth or facial swellings.

Skin and fleece

The fleece should be soft, clean, and shiny when parted. There should not be any loss of fiber. Part the fiber and check the skin for external parasites such as lice (visible to the naked eye) or evidence of mites (hair loss and scabbing).  Other reasons for concern are flaking skin, discoloration, scabbing, and/or weeping lesions (infected skin sore).

Rear end

The animal should not exhibit any signs of diarrhea, rectal or vaginal prolapse (protrusions of tissue), or unusual discharge. Due to the risk of zoonotic diseases, animals at events should be free from placenta or afterbirth.

Feet and legs

The animal should not present any signs of lameness or limping. Hooves should be sufficiently trimmed and well-maintained with no signs of abscesses (accumulation of pus) or infection, including swelling, redness, foul odor, or signs of fluid (i.e., blood, pus).

Safety Precautions When Performing Health Checks

Conducting animal health checks can expose you to physical and biological risks. Always take caution when working with and around animals that you are unfamiliar with. Ask the exhibitor to assist you while handling the animal, especially while checking challenging areas like the feet.

Wear clean gloves and change them between herds or when a potentially contagious animal is touched. Wear a pair of shoes that you dedicate to agricultural events and other off-farm activities, and disinfect them afterwards so that you do not track home any contaminated material.

Disposable boot covers and/or boot washes can also be used. Consider changing your clothes after completing health checks, especially if they have been soiled by feces and fluids like saliva, or if you encounter an animal exhibiting signs of illness. Wipe down any equipment such as flashlights or radios between assessments on animals that are not housed together.

What To Do If There Are Questions Or Concerns Regarding An Animal’s Health>

As an animal exhibition or event decision-maker, you have a responsibility to ensure that all animals exhibited are healthy and will not pose risks to other animals or people.

If you do encounter an animal that is demonstrating one or more signs of illness, the animal should not be permitted to enter the grounds or to be exhibited and should be separated from other animals immediately. The diseases of concern are often contagious; it is possible that all camelids from the same operation should be sent home depending on the situation and event policy.

Politely explain, in detail, why the animal cannot be allowed to participate, and recommend that the owner contact their veterinarian to address the issue. Animals that do not pass health checks should be returned home; they should not be allowed to stay in a trailer during the event.

If you encounter difficulties communicating with the animal handler, or if they become hostile, ask an event organizer/leader for assistance. Although this conversation can be awkward and uncomfortable, it is necessary to keep people and animals healthy and safe.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express appreciation to members of the UConn Extension BE SAFE: Biosecurity Education to Safeguard Animals at Fairs and Events Team for assistance in conceptualizing this fact sheet. In addition to the authors, members of the BE SAFE Team include Emily Alger, Jennifer Cushman, and Bonnie Burr. The BE SAFE Project and this fact sheet are supported by Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement. Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement supports programs, projects and events that are intended to strengthen Northeast agriculture, commercial fishing and forest products. This program is a combined effort of Farm Credit East and CoBank.

Resources

Connecticut Department of Agriculture. (2025). 2025 Connecticut Fair and Show Requirements. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/doag/state-vet/2025/2025-ct-fair-requirements-update-42525_final-rem.pdf?rev=0f42b47c4ef049a1a90922af5c2df570 

Conrad, C. C., Stanford, K., Narvaez-Bravo, C., Callaway, T., & McAllister, T. (2017). Farm Fairs and Petting Zoos: A Review of Animal Contact as a Source of Zoonotic Enteric Disease. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 14(2), 59–73. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2016.2185 

Michigan State University Extension. (2019, July 30). Animal Check-In. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/animal-check-in 

Potter, T. (n.d.). The Healthy Alpaca. National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS). https://www.nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/camelids/the-healthy-alpaca/ 

Wiedner, E. (2025, May). Herd Health of Llamas and Alpacas. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/llamas-and-alpacas/herd-health-of-llamas-and-alpacas