The definitive test for actual infection with the virus is a throat sample, which is hand-carried to Plum Island for laboratory analysis. This is a time of great concern to the importer because a great financial investment has already been incurred. The exporter charters a plane, and the animals, accompanied by their ever-present USDA veterinarian, are flown to Florida. A sizable welcoming committee greets the alpacas. At least two USDA veterinarians, as well as animal caretakers from the country of origin and a whole host of support people, will be available at all times.
Nobody goes into or out of the building without showering and changing into clean clothing.
All used supplies, animal wastes, and used bedding are incinerated on the site. A guard stands on duty twenty-four hours a day. Adjacent to the building housing the imported animals are pens of cattle and pigs so that if any contagious diseases are present, they will have a chance to show up in susceptible animals. The imported alpacas are again tested by USDA veterinarians. Some animals imported into the United States are destined to move on to Canada.