AAA Member Resources

IAR Rules update

PURPOSE: Provide a high level summary of the changes in the IAR Rules proposed.

ISSUE: IAR Rules are outdated and their validity continues to be tested by members, and therefore involving Board decisions independent to the current approved rules.

PROPOSED OUTCOME: The IAR database is one of the most valued assets of the AAA. The opportunity to further strengthen this position is in the benefit of all our existing members, and their prospective clients.

The IAR Rules as presented are easier to administer, and intended to be more functional for members.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: There are a few progressive changes proposed. These include the following;

• The introduction of DNA verification in addition to the current Sire certification process. The paternity of any newly certified sire will now be confirmed via DNA.
  • This service will not be at any additional charge to members.
  • Currently the IAR database does not include any parentage verification. This new feature presents as a low fuss way to further enhance the validity of our pedigree database.
• Access to DNA records for the purposes of parentage verification is to be available to all Members irrespective of ownership of the alpaca.
  • Easier process for parentage verification may lead to higher usage of this technology.
  • Existing IAR Rules already state that DNA records are not owned by the AAA.
  • This change can only further enhance the validity of the IAR database;
• DNA tests have always been mandatory for females registered without known parentage, but when the dam is known and verified by DNA it can now be recorded on the registry.
  • This service will not be at any additional charge to members.
  • Dams that are registered inactive will not be eligible.
  • This feature can only further enhance the validity of the IAR database;
• Applications for Herd Prefix rules are to be amended. They now specifically include; two Herd Prefixes can look and sound similar if owned by the same members, and the transfer of existing Herd Prefixes to new owners be limited by the same rules as creating a new Herd Prefix, and therefore ensuring any existing or new Herd Prefixes that sound/look similar are forever owned by the same members.
  • There is an increasing trend for multiple owned herds, and also a limited amount of new herd prefixes available.
  • This allows for previous Herd Prefixes that have been previously approved and contravene existing IAR Rules, as well as those precedents set.
  • Allows for further expansion and investment into the industry, and encourage trade and partnerships.
  • Maintains the integrity of individual Herd Prefixes.
• More authority provided to all owners in a Multi Owned alpaca. The office is now provided the opportunity to change the Nominee Owner, or act on the authority of other owners when the Nominee Owner is not responding.
  • Aligns more closely with current practice, without the unnecessary expense of amendments to eAlpaca.
• Statement included to enforce DNA recording fees are paid timely. If they are rejected by the laboratory because the DNA sample is too aged, then it is the Members expense to have a further DNA sample collected.
  • DNA samples only have a certain lifespan before they need to be processed via the laboratory.
  • Current process has seen AAA cover costs associated with testing due to Member late payment.
• Removal of the AAA approval requirement for Australian Veterinarians to screen imported alpacas.
  • No relaxation of current screening requirements, with all screening to be undertaken by Australian Veterinarian.
  • AAA has no approval requirement for Veterinarians & this feature will align with current process.
• Other relevant changes to have the IAR Rules more reflective of current process & the eAlpaca program.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: No increased fees to Members. No potential loss of revenue or increased costs for the AAA. Long term the IAR database’s value is maintained.

CONCLUSION: The IAR Draft rules are now available for Member review and comment via the Members Section of the website.
Please provide all feedback to CEO ceo@alpaca.asn.au or Board Director by 14 February 2021.

Please refer to the proposed IAR changes

Shearing During COVID-19

All alpaca businesses must assess the risks associated with exposure to COVID-19 and implement control measures. For the alpaca industry, shearing is an essential service/practice and unlike shows cannot be canceled. Therefore the AAA recommends that all farmers assess the risk that COVID-19 presents to the health and safety of yourselves and your workers and implement control measures to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The AAA has prepared a set of shearing guidelines to assist members and their contractors to stay COVID safe during shearing season.

Each farmer should complete the “Shearer Essential Service Sample Letter” ( modify if they wish) on your own letterhead  Shearer Essential Service Sample Letter

Keep a record of names and mobile number or email address of all workers for 28 days using an activity register such as this – Shearer Covid-19 Activity Register