Fatal Infection in an Alpaca ( Vicugna pacos ) Caused by Pathogenic Rhodococcus equi

( ) is a pathogen primarily known for infections in equine foals, but is also present in numerous livestock species including New World camelids. Moreover, is considered an emerging zoonotic pathogen. In this report, we describe in detail a fatal rhodococcal infection in an alpaca ( ), to our best knowledge, for the first time. The alpaca died due to a septicemic course of an infection resulting in emaciation and severe lesions including pyogranulomas in the lungs and pericardial effusion. The onset of the infection was presumably caused by aspiration pneumonia. could be isolated from the pyogranulomas in the lung and unequivocally identified by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the gene. The isolate proved to possess the gene in accordance with tested isolates originating from the lungs of infected horses. The isolates revealed low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC values) for doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, neomycin, rifampicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and vancomycin in antibiotic susceptibility testing. Investigations on the cause of bacterial, especially fatal, septicemic infections in alpacas are essential for adequately addressing the requirements for health and welfare issues of this New World camelid species. Furthermore, the zoonotic potential of has to be considered with regard to the One Health approach.