Blood testing goats for CAE virus before moving them into a new herd will prevent the spread of the disease. The disease can be spread from goat to goat via direct contact and body fluids, such as saliva. Separating goat kids from infected goats, and feeding the kids with cow's milk, or pasteurized goat milk, will prevent infection. The disease is spread to goat kids when they drink colostrum or milk from infected goats. The goat has increased difficulty standing and eventually is unable to stand. The goat will be uncoordinated, and unable to place its feet properly, so that it 'knuckles', that is, it stands with the front of its fetlock on the ground, rather than its hoof. In goats which develop the neurological form of the disease, the onset of signs is gradual over several weeks.

In some cases the goat will not be able to stand. It is antigenically similar to ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV). In goats which develop arthritis, the joints become inflamed and swollen, and the goats will slowly lose condition. Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a lentivirus in the family Retroviridae. The reason for the long (and variable) period of dormancy of the virus is not known. Infection is life-long, and it may be years before signs of the disease occur. Less commonly, mastitis or pneumonia may occur. Adult goats develop a chronic progressive arthritis, whereas young goats develop a neurological syndrome, with signs of paresis or paralysis. Individuals testing positive for the CAE virus should be removed from the herd.Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a viral disease of goats caused by a lentivirus called caprine arthritis encephalitis virus. Kids should receive only heat-treated colostrum and pasteurized milk or milk replacer. How Can the Disease Be Prevented?ĬAE infection and spread may be prevented by purchasing only test-negative animals or maintaining a closed herd and removing kids from infected does immediately after birth. Any goat suspected of having CAE should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately. Even with supportive care, the encephalitic form is usually fatal. However, goats may be given supportive care including pain medication and antibiotics for opportunistic bacterial infections.

In addition, CAE virus may also cause a chronic wasting disease in which goats continue to lose weight although appetite is unaffected. What are Signs of the Disease? Arthritic CAE North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand Can the Disease Affect People?ĬAE is not a public health threat. The chronic wasting form of the disease can occur either seperately or in addition to any other form of CAE. The arthritic form of the disease is most common in adult goats, while the encephalitic form is most common in kids. There are 5 major forms of CAE in goats: arthritis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pneumonia, mastitis, and chronic wasting.

CAE virus may also be spread among adult goats through contact with body secretions including blood and feces of infected goats. The disease is typically spread from mother to kid through the ingestion of colostrum or milk. Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a contagious viral disease of goats.