Camelid Studies & Services
At the Hadley Farm, University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts initiated the nation’s first undergraduate Camelid Studies Program at its Amherst campus. 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.
The Camelid Studies Program started in April of 2005 after a generous contribution from Ian and Jennifer Lutz of Cas-Cad-Nac Farm in Perkinsville , Vermont , provided funding for initial salary and start up costs. The program encompasses:
• undergraduate and graduate teaching
• veterinary and owner seminars
• practical humane research projects
• laboratory and outpatient services for alpacas and llamas
Program Description
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. The camelid barn at the University farm is used to house the program’s teaching, research, and breeding herd. Several alpaca breeders have donated non-breeding animals, breeding females, and stud services for these efforts.
Camelid Courses
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). 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. A student Camelid Club provides opportunities for students to get in depth exposure to all aspects of the camelid industry. Additional independent study, practicum, and elective courses are offered.
Dr. Purdy’s primary goals at the University and through the Camelid Studies Program are:
• to provide students with extensive camelid experience for employment within the alpaca and llama industries and
• to direct qualified undergraduate students towards a career in large animal veterinary medicine with a particular emphasis in camelid practice.
Camelid Research at UMass Amherst
The program currently has three camelid research projects in operation:
• The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of meningeal worm disease in alpacas and llamas
• 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.
• Investigation of neonatal blood tests as a means of predicting risk for infection and need for preventative treatments.
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.
Contact Information
Please direct all inquiries regarding the Camelid Studies Program to its director:
Dr. Stephen R. Purdy, DVM, Director
UMass Amherst Camelid Studies Program
UMass Hadley Farm
111 North Maple Street
Hadley, MA 01035
413-549-3820
srpurdy [at] vasci [dot] umass [dot] edu
Tax deductible contributions to the UMass Camelid Studies Program may be made to the UMass Large Animal Studies Program Fund. A detailed list of funding opportunities for donors is available. Interested donors are invited to contact Dr. Purdy to arrange for a visit to the program’s farm, teaching, and research facilities.