Ysella Wood.
Chillbrook Farm
Tremodrett
Roche
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL26 8LP
Email: ysellachill907@aol.com
21st July 2010.
Dear Alpaca Owner,
I am a University of Nottingham student studying Animal Science BSc. As part of my final year dissertation project I have decided to focus upon the alpaca and in particular the issues it faces with Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB).
I would be most appreciative if the enclosed questionnaire could be completed and returned. This will provide valuable information to help steer my research, assist in assessing how the alpaca community considers this matter and what further steps may need to be taken to address this situation.
I anticipate sharing the results of this survey and the potential outcomes of my research with the British Alpaca Society.
All sources of information gathered will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
Thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you.
Ysella Wood.
Name: ................................................. Location: .................................................
Size of the herd: 1 ? 15 16 ? 30 31 ? 45 45+
Age ranges within the herd: 0 ? 4yrs 5 ? 10yrs 11 ? 15yrs All of these
Why do you keep an alpaca herd?
Hobby Commercial Educational Other (please specify) ...................
..................................................
How long have you owned your alpaca herd at your current address?
0 ? 4yrs 5 ? 10yrs 11 ? 15yrs 16+yrs
Do you breed your alpacas? Yes No
Do you have your own stud males? Yes No
If no, where do you source your stud services from?
Only within Only within your Only within Within Outside of
your County Region (e.g. South West) UK Europe Europe
Do you (or have you) imported alpacas from outside of the UK? Yes No
Do you use herd identification (e.g. ear tagging/micro-chipping)? Yes No
Do you keep accurate records of your herd?s movements? Yes No
Should tracking/recording of movements be compulsory by law?
Strongly Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree
Why? ...because...
Strongly Disagree Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly Agree
Reduce disease spread 1 2 3 4 5
Help breeding lines 1 2 3 4 5
Help with tracing/history 1 2 3 4 5
Too expensive 1 2 3 4 5
Too complicated 1 2 3 4 5
Not beneficial & more ??red tape?? 1 2 3 4 5
In your opinion, are alpacas and other herd animals (e.g. cattle/sheep) considered equally by the Government and associated bodies (e.g. DEFRA)?
Yes No Indifferent
If no, what would you like to see differently?
More recognition More support More information Other (please specify)
.......................................
.......................................
Are you aware of any problems (past or present) with Bovine Tuberculosis, bTB, in your area?
Yes No
If yes, for how long? 0 ? 4yrs 5 ? 10yrs 11 ? 15yrs 16+yrs
Has bTB ever affected your herd?
Yes No
Do you take any precautions against bTB? Yes No
Please briefly explain: .............................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Should bTB testing be made compulsory in alpacas?
Yes No Indifferent
Please briefly explain: .............................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
How do you regard the significance of bTB disease effecting alpacas?
No Mild Moderate Severe Absolute
Significance Significance Significance Significance Significance
Who/what do you blame for the spread of bTB?
Cattle People Badgers Wild-life Lack of education Lack of tests
Thank you for completing this questionnaire. If you would like the results of this survey, please tick