Welcome to the website of the British Llama Society
Llamas are members of the South American camelid family and are mostly found in the high altiplano regions of the Andes in Peru, Bolivia and Chile. They are the domesticated cousin of the wild guanaco and are extensively used by the Andean people and in the past by the Incas, as beasts of burden, for food, for fibre and their hides used as leather. The British Llama Society has been set up to promote all aspects of llama and Guanaco ownership - good husbandry, breeding, trekking, driving, showing and much more. It publishes a quarterly magazine, Llama Llink.
Very importantly it operates a registration system for llamas, guanacos, vicunas and camels; an important facility in these days of increasing regulation. It is also affiliated to British Camelids Ltd, a charity which promotes the responsible ownership of all camelids in the UK.
The Society brings together a lively community of people all of whom have been captivated by these fascinating animals. We operate a forum for all things llama related and within the forum is a special members-only area for members of the BLS.
Below you can find out all about our recent news and events!
Health & Welfare Bulletin No.24 : Bovine Tuberculosis
Sun, Jun 21 2009 06:08
| Health Bulletin
Dear BLS Member
Bovine TB is spreading out of control. Llamas are susceptible to bTB.
As many of you are aware there are an increasing number of llamas being found to have bovine TB. Although the mode of infection is as yet unknown, it is likely to be either llama to llama, cow to llama or badger to llama. This is very concerning especially as we, as an industry, do not have any workable systems in place to reduce the risk of infection.
TB is not caused by the owners lack of knowledge or by bad management. If you have infected animals you should not be embarrassed or ashamed. Our llamas and your fellow members need you to stand up and talk openly about your particular situation. This is the only way that others can become educated about the problem, how to handle it and what our rights are as llama owners.
What is needed from you
The BLS and the BAS have a meeting coming up shortly about bTB with the Government Minister in charge to put the camelid case to her. It would be very helpful if I could go knowing what it is that the members want.
I need your help to understand the extent of the problem. Unless those affected tell me who you are, I have no way of knowing how many of our members are affected. Your information will be treated in the strictest confidence, and will be known only to those on the board who are actively involved. As a relatively small industry we are much stronger when we talk as one. I can only do this if all those affected as well as those who may be in a hot spot come together and define what is required.
The first step is to let me know in the strictest confidence if you are affected. Please get in touch even if you think I already know.
You can email me: llamaliz@hotmail.com or call on 01737-823375. Once again, your information will be handled in confidence.
We, as representitives of the Camelid industry, can't go forward with this unless we know what you want. Those with infected herds know who you are. You have a duty to the greater livestock industry to eradicate bTB from your herds, to do this efficiently and effectively everyone needs to work together. Herds do recover from TB and there is light at the end of the tunnel. The future of llamas in the UK could be seriously damaged if we do not get to grips with this issue.
Thank you.
LIZ BUTLER
Vice Chairman BLS & Health & Welfare Representative
Bovine TB is spreading out of control. Llamas are susceptible to bTB.
As many of you are aware there are an increasing number of llamas being found to have bovine TB. Although the mode of infection is as yet unknown, it is likely to be either llama to llama, cow to llama or badger to llama. This is very concerning especially as we, as an industry, do not have any workable systems in place to reduce the risk of infection.
TB is not caused by the owners lack of knowledge or by bad management. If you have infected animals you should not be embarrassed or ashamed. Our llamas and your fellow members need you to stand up and talk openly about your particular situation. This is the only way that others can become educated about the problem, how to handle it and what our rights are as llama owners.
What is needed from you
The BLS and the BAS have a meeting coming up shortly about bTB with the Government Minister in charge to put the camelid case to her. It would be very helpful if I could go knowing what it is that the members want.
I need your help to understand the extent of the problem. Unless those affected tell me who you are, I have no way of knowing how many of our members are affected. Your information will be treated in the strictest confidence, and will be known only to those on the board who are actively involved. As a relatively small industry we are much stronger when we talk as one. I can only do this if all those affected as well as those who may be in a hot spot come together and define what is required.
The first step is to let me know in the strictest confidence if you are affected. Please get in touch even if you think I already know.
You can email me: llamaliz@hotmail.com or call on 01737-823375. Once again, your information will be handled in confidence.
We, as representitives of the Camelid industry, can't go forward with this unless we know what you want. Those with infected herds know who you are. You have a duty to the greater livestock industry to eradicate bTB from your herds, to do this efficiently and effectively everyone needs to work together. Herds do recover from TB and there is light at the end of the tunnel. The future of llamas in the UK could be seriously damaged if we do not get to grips with this issue.
Thank you.
LIZ BUTLER
Vice Chairman BLS & Health & Welfare Representative
British Llama Society - a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 04897204.
Registered office: Mansion House, Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1EP.
Registered office: Mansion House, Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1EP.
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With thanks to Axel Bührmann, orazal, lucianvenutian, Veronique Debord, quinn.anya for creative commons use of pictures
