Screening

The British Alpaca Society screening and importation policy is administered by Philip O'Conor, Graham Reed, Keith Scott, Graham MacHarg and Libby Henson. For queries and information e-mail: screeningpolicy@bas-uk.com

Administration is co-ordinated by Libby Henson.
E-mail: screening@bas-uk.com or call 0845 331 2468 (within the UK) or +44 (0)1392 437788 (overseas).

Policy

Alpacas intended for importation to the UK are accepted onto the BAS registry only after they have undergone a series of tests and examinations before they enter quarantine and arrive on the UK mainland.

These examinations constitute the BAS screening process. Only imported alpacas that pass this screening process are eligible for registration onto the BAS Pedigree Registry.

The screening process is intended to encourage the constant improvement of the national alpaca herd by encouraging a wider genetic pool and simultaneously discouraging the import of inferior quality alpacas and those with genetic defects that might be detrimental to the national herd.

The principle of import screening is similar to that used by other alpaca registries around the world including the USA, Canada and Australia and the process and criteria used is based on the standard successfully used by the American Registry, Inc.

The screening process comprises a series of physical tests, phenotype assessments and fibre analysis tests, which are conducted by trained screeners appointed by the Society.

The physical test consists of a thorough veterinary examination, which screens against a series of known undesired genetic traits.

The phenotype test is an examination of the alpacas conformation and an assessment of its true to type alpaca traits.

The fibre analysis consists of a process whereby a separate fibre sample is taken which is sent to an independent fibre testing laboratory to be tested for fibre thickness, fibre standard deviation, distribution and percentage of fibres over 30 microns.

A points scoring system is then applied to both the phenotype assessment and the fibre analysis test.

Alpacas pass the screening process if they attain sufficient points. The BAS has conducted many screenings of members’ alpacas in locations throughout the world including North America, Australia, Chile, Peru and Europe.

Import screening sets a minimum standard for imported alpacas for the protection of prospective purchasers whilst simultaneously protecting the national herd from the introduction of inferior traits or genetically unsound breeding stock.

Screening manual and agreement

Click here to download a pdf copy of the BAS Screening Manual.

Click here for a pdf copy of the BAS specimen agreement for import screening services.

Click to download the Application and contract for the import screening of non-pedigree alpacas.

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