Meningoencephalitis and brain abscessation due to Escherichia coli in a 2 week old alpaca cria

SUMMARY An alpaca cria which received insufficient colostrum, presented with lethargy, anorexia, no passage of faeces and neurological signs. Differential diagnosis included neonatal septicaemia, meningitis and gastrointestinal obstruction. The cria died despite treatment. Necropsy revealed brain abscesses with Escherichia coli in pure culture. The importance of the amount and timing of colostrum intake is discussed.