Barn Safety for Alpaca Owners: Part 3 of 3 — Preventing Cuts and Punctures

Part 3 of 3

Cuts and puncture wounds pose health risks to alpacas and people, including the risk of infection and tetanus. Many of these injuries are preventable through proper storage, handling, and facility maintenance.

Dispose of Sharps Properly

Proper handling of needles, scalpels, and other sharps is a safety requirement and a legal obligation in most states. Used sharps should be stored in a clearly marked container labeled SHARPS—DO NOT RECYCLE. The container should be thick-walled, opaque (such as a laundry detergent bottle), and have a screw-on lid.

FDA-approved needle clippers are considered acceptable sharps containers in all states. Specialized sharps containers designed for this purpose are also available online or through a veterinarian. Containers that are not acceptable in most states include pop bottles, milk jugs, coffee cans, zip-top bags, or disposal on the ground.

When the container is approximately 80% full, seal it securely with duct tape and take it to an approved disposal location. In some states and local jurisdictions, sealed sharps containers may be placed in household trash if permitted by the solid waste authority. The easiest way to find a disposal site is through the Safe Needle Disposal website. If using a prepaid mail-in sharps container, follow the return instructions provided with the container.

Eliminate Sharp Edges

Remove or cover sharp metal nail heads, screws, and exposed metal edges in stalls, paddocks, and runways. Alpacas frequently rub their heads and bodies against fences, walls, and other surfaces. Even moderately sharp protrusions can cause serious injuries.

Inspect all areas carefully for hazards. Flat-back five-gallon buckets commonly used in barns are one example. If the plastic protector on the bail comes off, the exposed metal edge can be sharp enough to cause severe eyelid injuries requiring surgical repair.

Protect Against Glass Hazards

Keep alpacas away from glass windows unless protective bars prevent contact.

Use Protective Gear

Wear leather or protective gloves when trimming alpaca nails. Even well-trained alpacas can jerk suddenly if startled, increasing the risk of injury.

Clean and disinfect nail trimmers regularly. Alpaca feet contact a wide range of surfaces and contaminants, increasing the risk of infection from cuts.

Learn Proper Injection Techniques

Learn how to properly administer injections. Most alpaca owners will need to do this at some point, often under stressful conditions. If you are uncomfortable, begin by having an experienced person supervise while you administer injections, such as during shearing or routine herd work.

Maintain First Aid Supplies

Keep both alpaca and human first aid kits in accessible barn locations.

Follow a Vaccination Plan

Work with a veterinarian to maintain a vaccination schedule that includes tetanus, such as CDT or an 8-way vaccine, and follow the plan consistently for every animal, every year. The most serious health risk to alpacas from a puncture wound is typically tetanus.  

Choose Safer Cutting Tools

Retract utility knife blades immediately after use. An exposed blade left on hay bales, between feed sacks, or carried in a pocket creates a significant risk of serious cuts.

Auto-retracting utility knives reduce this risk by retracting the blade when not in use and provide an added layer of protection for those who carry knives in a pocket.

Remove Hidden Metal Debris

Consider using a magnetic roofer's sweeper after fencing or construction projects. Nails, staples, screws, and cut wire can remain hidden in paddocks or barns and may be ingested or cause puncture wounds. A rolling magnetic sweeper helps remove steel debris and reduce the risk of serious injury.

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Part One outlines practical fire safety measures for alpaca barns.

Part Two reviews electrical hazards and risk-reduction practices in alpaca facilities.