Alpaca quarantine requirements start with collection in Peru and isolation for a minimum of 95 days in a Peruvian quarantine station. Here, they are twice checked for FMD, Brucellosis, TB and other diseases. These tests were carried out principally by Dr Tony Forman, Australia’s leading exotic disease scientist. The animals were then shipped to Australia’s official quarantine station on Cocos Island.
Despite moving from the Peruvian alti-plano to a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, the animals settled in well on Cocos, proving much more resilient to the rigours of travel and handling than anticipated (in fact, two cria were born on the plane trip over). 
To ensure ongoing health, numerous rigorous health checks are undertaken and all animals are shorn at least twice for their comfort and well-being in the tropical heat.
A stringent mating program has been implemented, so that females may be guaranteed pregnant to the herd’s top sires.
The Cocos Island high security quarantine station is owned by AQIS. Facilities include laboratory and administration areas, sewn pastures with coconut palm shade, shade igloos and holding area for the late pregnant females and cria.
The herd has a full time Veterinarian in attendance, Dr Jane Vaughan, who accompanied the Alpaca from Peru and is seeing them through their settling-in period in Australia.
Dr. Denis Ryan, highly regarded specialist alpaca Veterinarian involved in Cocos testing procedures, was very impressed with the staff and facilities, space, and the total animal and paddock management. His publicly stated opinion are a testament to the overall professionalism in which the project has been handled, typical of the thorough and dedicated approach of Jolimont Alpaca.
