UMass
Camelid
Studies
Program
v Introduction:
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The
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The program is
under the direction of Stephen R. Purdy, DVM, an experienced camelid
practitioner and speaker at national and regional veterinary and owner
meetings.
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The program
started in April of 2005 after a generous contribution from Ian and Jennifer
Lutz of Cas-Cad-Nac Farm in
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The program
encompasses:
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undergraduate
and graduate teaching
§
veterinary and
owner seminars
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practical
humane research projects
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laboratory and outpatient services for alpacas and llamas.
v Program Description:
Ø The Goals of the Camelid Studies Program are to
expose undergraduate and graduate students, owners, and practicing
veterinarians to the latest techniques in camelid medicine, surgery,
reproduction, and management.
Ø The camelid barn at the University farm is used to
house the program’s teaching, research, and breeding herd.
Ø Several alpaca breeders have donated non-breeding
animals, breeding females, and stud services for these efforts.
Ø Camelid Courses:
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Taught in the
fall and spring semesters to all freshmen students in the Department of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences’ four year bachelor’s degree program (part of
Introductory Animal Science- ANSCI 101 and 103)
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Dr. Purdy will
teach an additional course starting in the spring of 2006 at the advanced level
(Animal Diseases- ANSCI 372) covering common camelid diseases.
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A student
Camelid Club provides opportunities for students to get in depth exposure to
all aspects of the camelid industry.
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Additional
independent study, practicum, and elective courses are offered.
Ø Dr. Purdy’s primary goals at the University and through the Camelid Studies Program are:
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to provide
students with extensive camelid experience for employment within the alpaca and
llama industries and
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to direct qualified undergraduate students towards a
career in large animal veterinary medicine with a particular emphasis in
camelid practice.
v Camelid Research at UMass
Ø The program currently has three camelid research
projects in operation:
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The diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of meningeal
worm disease in alpacas and llamas
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Exploring the use of camelid white blood cells to
manufacture disease specific immunoglobulins for
the treatment of animal and human bacterial, viral, and neoplastic diseases.
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Investigation
of neonatal blood tests as a means
of predicting risk for infection and need for preventative treatments.
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Support from
the Department’s world class immunology and reproduction faculty and other
campus experts are vital to the progress of these and other planned projects.
v Contact Information:
Ø Please direct all inquiries regarding the Camelid
Studies Program to its director:
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Dr. Steve
Purdy
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413-549-3820
v
Tax
deductible contributions to the UMass Camelid Studies Program
Ø
may be made to the UMass Large Animal Studies Program
Fund.
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A detailed
list of funding opportunities for donors is available.
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Interested
donors are invited to contact Dr. Purdy to arrange for a visit to the program’s
farm, teaching, and research facilities.
UMass
Stephen R. Purdy, DVM,
Director
UMass Hadley Farm
413-549-3820
srpurdy@vasci.umass.edu