Advantages of purchasing alpacas from New Zealand

New Zealand occupies a unique position in regards to bio-security. Most European countries will permit imports direct from New Zealand, with minimal pre-export quarantine, providing the alpaca has been in New Zealand since birth, or for at least 6 months prior to export. This can represent significant savings in import costs compared to Australia and Peru

Export from Australia:

Australian alpacas are required to enter a formal quarantine station for at least 1 month before export to ensure no unwanted parasites or diseases travel with them. This involves being kept indoors and fed hard feed. Many pregnant females cannot cope with the stress caused by the sudden change in diet and conditions, and a high incidence of aborted pregnancies and miscarriages occurs as a result. When released from Australian quarantine, alpacas must then travel to NZ and spend a further period (up to 6 months) in on-farm quarantine, before being sent on to Europe. Of course, quarantine in both countries must be paid for! The risks to your alpacas health and the costs of transport and quarantine can escalate alarmingly. Costs include long-distance travel within Australia, quarantine centre costs while in Australia, transport to New Zealand, short distance transport within New Zealand, on-farm quarantine costs, flights to Europe, associated veterinary costs occurred in both countries.

Export from Peru:

It is illegal to export out of Peru without the appropiate documents which are not freely available.  Peruvian alpacas normally travel via Australia, and then to  New Zealand before travelling on to Europe. Costs are usually prohibitive! Costs include: Transport within Peru , flight to Australia, transport within Australia, quarantine centre costs while in Australia, transport to New Zealand, transport within New Zealand, on-farm quarantine costs, flights to Europe, associated veterinary costs occurred in all 3 countries.Over the past 20 years, many quality Peruvian alpacas have been exported to New Zealand, and their offspring are now available for sale – saving you thousands of dollars on purchasing direct from Peru.

Other South American countries

Most Australian and New Zealand breeders have shown a preference for Peruvian alpacas over alpacas from other South American countries. This preference is related to improved fleece density and micron in Peruvian alpacas, and the stocky build and short faces of Peruvian alpacas also has greater appeal. However, it is possible to import alpacas from other South American countries, who are working hard on improving the quality of their alpacas, but you would need to sort out import protocols with your government, and determine costs based on quarantine and freight. 

One of the disadvantages of purchasing from South America is the lack of breeding records, meaning you can only judge the quality of your alpaca based on phenotype (appearance). Buying a quality alpaca with the proof of pedigree behind reduces the risk of disappoinment!

Import from New Zealand

 New Zealand  alpacas usually require 6 to 10 weeks on-farm quarantine only (much cheaper than formal quarantine!), and are on their way to Europe within 6 – 10 weeks. Costs include: transport within NZ, farm quarantine and associated veterinary costs, flight to country of destination. Approximate cost is around NZ$5000 per alpaca. Much quicker, healthier and cheaper than any other option!

New Zealand has the highest animal health and bio-security standards in the world:

• No Foot-and-Mouth. New Zealand has never had a case of foot-and-mouth disease in any species. (Foot-and-Mouth disease is a risk in South America)
• No ticks – this is endemic in parts of Australia
• New Zealand is, and always has been, rabies free
• Voluntary Tb testing – New Zealand has a low incidence of tuberculosis in farm animals, and is close to be declared Tb free. The New Zealand Government does not consider Tb to be a threat in alpacas, and there is consequently no compulsory Tb testing in alpacas, however, all reputable alpaca farms in New Zealand utilize voluntary Tb testing, and have many years of clear results for their entire herds. You can buy with confidence from these breeders.

New Zealand has some of the best alpacas in the world.

• International Judges at our top shows have often commented on the outstanding quality of New Zealand alpacas.
• If proven pedigree is what you are after – quality New Zealand alpaca pedigrees incorporate top alpacas from Australia and United States – so you can include recognised top genetics in your herd without the added expense of importing from either of these countries.
• If you prefer a wider genetic spread – many quality alpacas have been imported into New Zealand from Peru since the late 1990’s. The descendants of these alpacas are unique to New Zealand, so if you prefer not to see the same names repeated over and over in your pedigrees, you have the opportunity of including unique genetics without the expense of importing from South America or Australia.

Advantages of purchasing New Zealand Alpacas from The Alpaca Place

• Colour – We cover the colour spectrum (whatever your colour preference, we have it).
• Quality Export Standard alpacas  (We have quality ribbon-winning alpacas available so you can start  breeding quality alpacas immediately).
• Alpacas with pedigrees of renown (Buying from The Alpaca Place gives you immediate access to top genetics)
• Health – our alpaca get a free veterinary check before leaving our property (Buy with confidence!)
• We can refer you to International Insurancers to cover you investment on route to your place - (Peace of mind)

Conditions apply to the following extended offers:

•  Fertility guarantees – (protects your future income).
• Transport within New Zealand to a farm quarantine station (saves you money!).
• Extended Quarantine Assistance  (Keeps costs down)
• Please contact us for a full explanation of these benefits – you’ll be glad you did!