Monitor and manage
Usually manageable with good husbandry; involve your vet if it worsens.
A behavioral problem where over-handled male alpacas treat humans as rival males and become dangerously aggressive as adults.
- Category
- Other conditions
- Urgency
- Monitor and manage
- Also called
- Aberrant behavior syndrome, ABS
Signs & symptoms
- Chest-butting, charging and knocking people over
- Biting at legs, neck wrestling
- Screaming 'alarm' calls at people
Related symptom guides: Aggression Toward People.
What causes it?
Bottle-raised or excessively petted male crias imprint on people and lose normal fear and respect boundaries.
Risk factors
- Bottle-raised male crias without herd contact
- Excessive cuddling of young males
How vets diagnose it
Behavior history.
Treatment
Very difficult to reverse; castration may reduce but rarely eliminates it. Some animals must be rehomed with experienced handlers or euthanized for safety.
Prevention
- Bottle-raise crias alongside the herd
- Avoid face and neck petting of young males
- Train with respectful, low-key handling
Frequently asked questions
What is berserk Male Syndrome in alpacas?
What are the signs of berserk Male Syndrome?
How do you prevent berserk Male Syndrome?
Is berserk Male Syndrome an emergency?
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.