Programme | Camelid Laboratory Animal Workshop

Morning programme

9h00: Welcome and purpose of the training - Jo Leroy
9h10: Introduction, what makes a llama or alpaca so interesting for scientific research? -Yann Sterckx
What is the history of nanobodies and how far advanced is biotechnological research? Do we have non-animal alternatives, and can animal trials boost non-animal alternatives?
9h45: Weird animals ... those llamas! - Jo Leroy
Where do small camelids come from, what are the main aspects of their behavior, physiology and anatomy and original habitat? What does that mean for optimal nutrition, housing and health management. How can we avoid stress and adequately enrich the habitat?
10h30: Coffee break
11h00: Keeping llama and alpaca healthy - Inne Xhonneux
Which diseases are mainly linked to poor nutrition and management? Which common infectious diseases should we always keep in mind when managing small camelids in Belgium?
11h30: Legislation in Belgium - Joke Wellens
What are the (legal) requirements for registration and disease control? How to transport small camelids? How to apply the 3R principle in animal biotech research?
12h00: Optimal follow-up of animal health and welfare during and after immunisation - Inne Xhonneux and Jo Leroy
How do we perform a basic clinical examination? How to estimate general animal welfare? What side effects can we expect after immunisation? Can we take preventive action? What are humane endpoints?
12h30: Questions and Discussion
13h00: Lunch

Location: Wilrijk, Belgium, Universiteitsplein 1, De Ark

14h00: Demo and hands-on session at De Ark - Jo Leroy, Inne Xhonneux and Joke Wellens
- Demo and practice part 1: inspecting optimal housing conditions, general impression and assessing normal behavior, driving animals.
- Demo and practice part 2: low stress handling: approaching, herding, isolating and restraining llamas in a safe way, basics for a clinical examination and health screening.
15h30: Debriefing, evaluation, feedback and coffee