THEIR fluffy coats make them commercially profitable, while their cheeky charm has resulted in them becoming popular companion animals.
But the appeal of alpacas and llamas has not always extended to the farm vet world, according to Ami Sawran, clinical director at Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford.
Ami has long championed camelids – and it’s nothing to do with those super-cute faces that never fail to make her smile.
“There is a growing population of camelids and it makes sound business sense for practices to see them as a new revenue stream,” she said.
Ami has carved a niche with her knowledge of camelids – roughly 50% of her clinical work involves alpacas.
As part of the VetPartners Camelid Special Interest Group, she has developed resources to help practices within the group in encounters with alpacas and llamas.
Ami said: “It may excite or daunt vets to know that camelid client numbers are increasing in the UK. In the changing landscape of farming and agriculture, camelid clients present a commercial opportunity for all of our practices that cannot be ignored.
“We want to support VetPartners colleagues by giving them tools to improve knowledge, skills and grow their camelid client base.
“Camelids have historically fallen into the grey area between posh farmed livestock and funny looking equines, with clients reporting that vets are less equipped to deal with their quirks, and we hope as a group to change that.”
Looking after camelids is no llama drama for Ami!
For media enquiries only, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Senior PR and Communications Manager, on 07970 198 492 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk