Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) in Goats: How to Identify and Prevent It

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) in Goats: Identify and Prevent It

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) in goats is identified by testing and managed by strict biosecurity. Prevent it by immediately separating newborn kids from their dams, feeding heat-treated colostrum and pasteurized milk, regularly testing your herd, and isolating or culling positive animals. Consistent vigilance is key to a healthy, CAE-free herd.

Are you a goat owner worried about your herd’s health? Have you heard about Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis, or CAE, and wondered how to protect your animals? It’s a common concern, and for good reason. CAE is a sneaky virus that can quietly spread through a herd, causing lameness, weakness, and reduced milk production. It can be frustrating because many goats show no signs at all, even while they’re spreading the disease. But don’t worry! You’re in the right place to learn practical, easy-to-understand solutions. We’ll walk you through how to spot the signs, get a proper diagnosis, and, most importantly, put effective prevention strategies in place to keep your goats healthy and thriving.

Understanding Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE): What is it?

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) is a persistent viral infection that affects goats worldwide. It’s caused by a retrovirus, similar to the virus that causes HIV in humans or FIV in cats. Once a goat is infected, it remains infected for life. The virus primarily targets specific cells in the body, leading to a range of clinical signs that can severely impact a goat’s health and productivity.

CAE can manifest in several forms, often affecting different body systems:

Arthritic Form: This is the most common manifestation, particularly in adult goats. It causes inflammation of the joints, leading to lameness and swelling, especially in the knees (carpal joints).
Neurological Form (Encephalitis): This form primarily affects young kids, usually between 2 and 6 months of age. It causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to neurological signs like weakness, incoordination, and paralysis.
Pneumonia Form: CAE can also cause chronic interstitial pneumonia, leading to respiratory issues like coughing and difficulty breathing.
Mastitic Form: In lactating does, the virus can cause a hard, firm udder (often called “hard bag” or “baggy udder”) with reduced milk production, even without signs of bacterial infection.

The insidious nature of CAE lies in its ability to remain hidden. Many infected goats are asymptomatic carriers, meaning they carry the virus and can spread it without ever showing any outward signs of illness. This makes identification and prevention challenging but also highlights the critical importance of regular testing and strict biosecurity measures.

How CAE Spreads: Understanding the Transmission Routes

Understanding how CAE spreads is fundamental to preventing its introduction and spread within your herd. The virus is primarily transmitted horizontally (goat to goat) and vertically (dam to offspring).

Primary Transmission: Dam to Kid

The most significant route of transmission is from an infected mother (dam) to her newborn kid. This occurs primarily through:

Colostrum: The first milk produced by the dam after kidding, colostrum, is rich in antibodies but can also contain high concentrations of the CAE virus if the dam is infected. When the kid consumes this colostrum, it ingests the virus.
Milk: Regular milk from an infected dam can also transmit the virus to suckling kids.
In Utero (Less Common): While possible, transmission of the virus from dam to kid while still in the womb is considered rare compared to colostrum and milk transmission.

This vertical transmission pathway is why immediate separation of kids from their dams at birth and feeding heat-treated colostrum or milk replacer is a cornerstone of CAE prevention programs.

Secondary Transmission: Goat to Goat

Once the virus is in a herd, it can spread between adult goats through various means, though less efficiently than dam-to-kid transmission:

Bodily Fluids: The virus can be found in blood, saliva, nasal secretions, and joint fluid. Direct contact with these fluids, especially through open wounds or mucous membranes, can lead to transmission.
Shared Needles and Equipment: A common way to spread CAE between goats is through contaminated needles, syringes, or surgical instruments that have not been properly sterilized between uses. This is a critical point for veterinary procedures, vaccinations, and routine treatments.
Contaminated Environment: While the virus doesn’t survive long outside the host, environments heavily contaminated with bodily fluids (e.g., shared feed bunks, water troughs, bedding) could potentially facilitate transmission, though this is considered a less efficient route.
Breeding (Rare): Sexual transmission is not considered a significant route for CAE.

Understanding these transmission routes underscores the importance of a comprehensive biosecurity plan, which includes not only managing newborns but also strict hygiene practices for all shared equipment and new animal introductions.

Identifying CAE in Your Herd: Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying CAE can be challenging because many infected goats show no visible signs for months or even years. However, when symptoms do appear, they typically fall into one of four main categories, reflecting the specific body systems affected by the virus. It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health issues, so a definitive diagnosis always requires laboratory testing.

1. Arthritic Form (Most Common)

This is the most prevalent manifestation of CAE, particularly in adult goats (often over one year of age). The virus causes inflammation of the joints, leading to:

Swollen Joints: Often described as “big knee” syndrome, the carpal joints (knees) are most commonly affected, appearing visibly enlarged and firm. Other joints like hocks, stifles, and even spinal joints can also be involved.
Lameness and Stiffness: Affected goats may walk stiffly, show reluctance to move, or exhibit an abnormal gait. Lameness can range from mild to severe.
Pain: Joints may be painful to the touch, and goats might vocalize or resist examination of affected areas.
Weight Loss/Poor Condition: Chronic pain and difficulty moving can lead to reduced feed intake and overall poor body condition.
Reluctance to Graze: Due to joint pain, goats may spend more time lying down and be less inclined to forage.

2. Neurological Form (Encephalitis)

This form primarily affects young kids, typically between 2 and 6 months of age, though it can occasionally be seen in older animals. It involves inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive neurological signs:

Ataxia (Incoordination): Kids may stumble, fall, or have difficulty maintaining balance.
Weakness: Progressive weakness, often starting in the hind limbs and potentially leading to paralysis.
Head Tilt: An unusual tilting of the head.
Circling: Walking in circles.
Blindness: Though less common, visual impairment can occur.
Seizures: In severe cases, convulsions may be observed.

The neurological form is often rapidly progressive and can be fatal if not managed symptomatically (though there is no cure for the viral infection itself).

3. Pneumonia Form

CAE can cause chronic interstitial pneumonia, leading to respiratory problems. This form is less specific and can be confused with other respiratory diseases:

Chronic Cough: A persistent, dry cough.
Labored Breathing: Difficulty breathing, especially after exertion.
Weight Loss: Due to chronic illness and reduced appetite.
Poor Doer: Overall failure to thrive.

4. Mastitic Form (“Hard Udder”)

This form affects the mammary glands of lactating does. It’s characterized by:

Firm, Non-Painful Udder: The udder becomes firm and hard to the touch, often described as a “hard bag” or “baggy udder.” Unlike bacterial mastitis, it’s typically not hot or painful.
Reduced Milk Production: Despite the firmness, milk production is significantly reduced or even ceases. The milk may appear normal or slightly thickened.
Persistent Condition: The condition often persists through the lactation period and can recur in subsequent lactations.

Here’s a summary of common CAE symptoms by affected system:

Affected System	Common Symptoms	Typical Age Group Affected
Joints (Arthritic Form)	Swollen knees (“big knee”), lameness, stiffness, reluctance to move, joint pain, weight loss.	Adult goats (over 1 year)
Brain/Spinal Cord (Neurological Form)	Ataxia (incoordination), progressive weakness (especially hind limbs), paralysis, head tilt, circling, blindness.	Young kids (2-6 months)
Lungs (Pneumonia Form)	Chronic cough, labored breathing, poor growth, weight loss.	Any age, often adults
Mammary Glands (Mastitic Form)	Firm, non-painful udder (“hard bag”), reduced milk production, abnormal milk consistency.	Lactating does

Remember, the absence of symptoms does not mean a goat is free of CAE. Many goats are asymptomatic carriers, which is why diagnostic testing is absolutely essential for effective management and eradication.

Diagnosing CAE: The Importance of Testing

Because many goats with CAE show no outward symptoms, visual inspection alone is insufficient for diagnosis. The only reliable way to determine if a goat is infected with CAE is through laboratory testing. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for preventing the spread of the disease within your herd and for making informed management decisions.

Types of Diagnostic Tests

Several types of blood tests are available to detect CAE. These tests primarily look for antibodies produced by the goat in response to the virus, or directly for the viral genetic material.

AGID (Agar Gel Immunodiffusion) Test:
- How it works: This is a traditional and widely used test. It detects antibodies to the CAE virus in the goat’s blood serum. Serum is placed in a gel, and if antibodies are present, they react with viral antigens to form a visible line.
- Pros: Relatively inexpensive, reliable for detecting established infections.
- Cons: Can take 24-48 hours for results. May produce false negatives in very early stages of infection (before antibodies have fully developed, typically 2-4 weeks post-exposure) or in severely immunocompromised animals. Not suitable for testing kids under 6 months old who may still have maternal antibodies.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Test:
- How it works: ELISA tests also detect CAE antibodies in the blood serum. They are generally more sensitive and can detect lower levels of antibodies than AGID.
- Pros: Faster results (often within hours), more sensitive than AGID, making it better for detecting early infections. Can be run in high volumes.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than AGID. Still detects antibodies, so young kids with maternal antibodies might test positive even if not infected.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test:
- How it works: Unlike AGID and ELISA, PCR tests directly detect the genetic material (DNA) of the CAE virus itself. This means it can identify the virus even before the goat’s immune system has produced detectable antibodies.
- Pros: Can detect active viral infection, even in early stages or in kids with maternal antibodies (though interpretation for kids still needs care). Useful for confirming infection or for research.
- Cons: Generally more expensive. Requires specialized lab equipment. A positive PCR indicates the presence of the virus, but a negative PCR doesn’t always rule out infection, as the virus may not be actively shedding in the sample taken.

Testing Protocol: When and How Often to Test

A strategic testing protocol is essential for controlling and eradicating CAE:

New Animals: Always test any new goat before introducing it to your existing herd. Isolate new arrivals until negative test results are confirmed. This is arguably the single most important step in preventing CAE from entering your farm.
Annual Herd Testing: For established herds, annual testing of all goats over 6 months of age is highly recommended. This helps identify any new infections and monitor the overall herd status.
Kids from Positive Dams: Kids born to CAE-positive dams, even if immediately separated and fed heat-treated colostrum, should be tested at 6-12 months of age to confirm their status after maternal antibodies have waned.
Symptomatic Animals: Any goat showing signs suggestive of CAE (e.g., swollen joints, neurological symptoms) should be tested immediately to confirm diagnosis.
Before Breeding Season: Testing before breeding can help make informed decisions about breeding pairs and managing kids.

Interpreting Test Results

Positive Result: Indicates the goat has been exposed to the CAE virus and has antibodies (AGID/ELISA) or the virus itself (PCR). A positive goat is infected for life and is a potential source of infection for other goats.
Negative Result: Indicates the goat does not have detectable antibodies or viral DNA at the time of testing. However, a negative result does not guarantee the goat is CAE-free if it was recently exposed (within the antibody development window) or if testing was done on a young kid with maternal antibodies. Retesting may be recommended in such cases.
False Negatives: Can occur in early stages of infection (before antibodies develop), in very young kids with maternal antibodies, or in goats with suppressed immune systems.
False Positives: Are rare with current testing methods but can occasionally occur. If a single goat in an otherwise negative herd tests positive, retesting is often advised.

Working closely with your veterinarian is crucial for selecting the appropriate test, interpreting results, and developing a testing schedule tailored to your herd’s specific situation and goals.

Preventing CAE: Building a Biosecure Herd

Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing CAE. Once a goat is infected, there is no cure, so stopping the virus from entering and spreading within your herd is paramount. A multi-faceted approach focusing on strict biosecurity and careful management of newborns is key.

1. The Cornerstone: Closed Herd Policy

The absolute best way to prevent CAE is to maintain a “closed herd.” This means:

No New Animals: Do not introduce any new goats to your farm.
No Shared Equipment/Contact: Avoid sharing equipment, pastures, or direct contact with goats from other farms.

While ideal, a truly closed herd isn’t always practical for everyone. If you must introduce new animals, follow the next steps rigorously.

2. Testing and Culling/Isolation

If you are aiming for a CAE-free herd, this step is critical:

Test All New Animals: Before purchasing or introducing any new goat, insist on a negative CAE test result from a reputable lab. Even with a negative test, it’s wise to isolate new animals for at least 30 days and retest them before integrating them into your main herd. This accounts for the possibility of a goat being in the early stages of infection when the first test was performed.
Isolate Positive Animals: If any goat in your herd tests positive for CAE, immediately separate it from negative animals. This means separate housing, pastures, feed and water troughs, and equipment. Ideally, positive animals should be managed by different personnel or with strict hygiene protocols (e.g., caring for negative animals first, then positive ones, and changing clothes/disinfecting boots).
Consider Culling: For complete eradication, especially in small herds, culling (removing from the herd, often for slaughter) all CAE-positive animals is the most effective strategy. This removes the source of infection entirely. This is a difficult decision but often the fastest path to a CAE-free herd.

3. Managing Kids from CAE-Positive Dams (Prevention of Vertical Transmission)

This is the most crucial step for breaking the cycle of dam-to-kid transmission:

Immediate Separation at Birth: As soon as a kid is born, remove it from its mother before it has a chance to nurse and ingest colostrum. This is best done by having someone present at kidding.
Heat-Treated Colostrum: Colostrum is vital for a kid’s immunity. If you have CAE-positive does, you must heat-treat their colostrum to inactivate the virus without destroying the beneficial antibodies.
- Method: Collect colostrum from the dam immediately after kidding. Heat it in a water bath at 56°C (133°F) for 60 minutes. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully; too high, and antibodies are destroyed; too low, and the virus may not be inactivated. Cool it rapidly and feed immediately or freeze for later use.
- Alternative: Use colostrum from a known CAE-negative doe, or a commercial colostrum replacer if a CAE-negative source is unavailable.
Pasteurized Milk or Milk Replacer: After the initial colostrum feeding, kids should be fed pasteurized goat milk (from CAE-negative does or heat-treated) or a high-quality goat milk replacer. Never feed raw milk from CAE-positive does to kids you intend to raise CAE-free.
Dedicated Rearing Area: Raise CAE-negative kids in an area completely separate from any CAE-positive animals.

4. Biosecurity Measures for the Entire Herd

General farm hygiene and biosecurity are important to prevent goat-to-goat transmission:

Dedicated Equipment: Use separate needles, syringes, dehorning irons, and other equipment for CAE-positive and CAE-negative groups. If this isn’t possible, thoroughly sterilize equipment between uses (e.g., boiling or chemical sterilization).
Needle Hygiene: Always use a new, sterile needle for each goat when giving injections. This is a simple but highly effective measure.
Disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect housing, feeders, and water troughs. While the CAE virus doesn’t survive long outside the host, good hygiene reduces overall pathogen load.
Foot Baths: Consider using foot baths for personnel moving between positive and negative areas.
Control Visitors: Limit visitor access to your goat areas, and ensure anyone entering wears clean clothes and disinfected footwear.
Manage Shared Pastures: If you must rotate pastures, ensure enough time has passed for any potential viral load to diminish before allowing CAE-negative goats onto a pasture previously used by positive goats.

Here’s a summary of CAE prevention strategies:

Prevention Strategy	Description	Key Action Points
Closed Herd Policy	Avoid introducing new animals to eliminate external sources of infection.	Do not buy or sell goats frequently; minimize contact with outside herds.
Test & Isolate/Cull	Identify and remove or separate infected animals from the herd.	Test all new goats before purchase (quarantine until negative results). Annual herd testing. Immediately isolate or cull positive animals.
Kid Management	Prevent vertical transmission from dam to kid.	Separate kids from dams at birth. Feed heat-treated colostrum (56°C for 60 mins) or CAE-negative colostrum/replacer. Feed pasteurized milk or milk replacer. Raise kids separately.
Biosecurity & Hygiene	Minimize goat-to-goat transmission through shared equipment and environment.	Use new needles for each goat. Sterilize shared equipment. Clean and disinfect facilities regularly. Control visitor access.

Implementing these strategies requires commitment and consistency, but the long-term benefits of a healthy, productive, CAE-free herd are well worth the effort. Consult with your veterinarian to tailor a prevention plan specific to your farm’s needs and resources.

Managing a CAE-Positive Herd (If Eradication Isn’t Possible)

While eradication of CAE is the ideal goal, it’s not always feasible for every farm, especially large commercial operations or those with a high prevalence of the disease. In such cases, effective management strategies can help minimize the impact of CAE and maintain herd productivity.

1. Segregation: The Core of Management

The most critical step in managing a CAE-positive herd is strict segregation of infected animals from uninfected ones. This means creating two distinct groups:

CAE-Positive Group: Animals that have tested positive for CAE.
CAE-Negative Group: Animals that have consistently tested negative.

For segregation to be effective, it must be absolute:

Separate Housing: Provide completely separate barns, pens, or pastures for each group. There should be no fence-line contact.
Dedicated Equipment: Each group should have its own set of feeders, waterers, brushes, halters, and other tools. If equipment must be shared, always use it on the negative group first, then thoroughly clean and disinfect it before using it on the positive group.
Separate Personnel or Protocols: Ideally, different people would care for each group. If not possible, always attend to the CAE-negative group first, then the CAE-positive group. Change clothes and disinfect boots thoroughly between groups.
No Shared Pastures (or Time Rotation): Avoid rotating groups through the same pastures unless there’s sufficient time (e.g., several weeks to months) for the virus to die off in the environment.

2. Kid Management (Still Crucial!)

Even in a CAE-positive herd, preventing vertical transmission to kids is paramount for eventually reducing the overall prevalence of the disease. The same strict protocols apply:

Immediate Separation at Birth: Remove kids from dams immediately after birth, before nursing.
Heat-Treated Colostrum: Feed kids heat-treated colostrum (56°C for 60 minutes) from their own dams or colostrum from a known CAE-negative source.
Pasteurized Milk or Milk Replacer: Feed pasteurized goat milk or a high-quality milk replacer. Never feed raw milk from CAE-positive does.
Raise Kids Separately: Raise kids intended to be CAE-negative in a completely separate environment from any positive adults.

3. Breeding Strategies

To reduce the number of positive animals born into the herd over time, consider these strategies:

Breed Positive Does to Negative Bucks: This doesn’t prevent vertical transmission to kids but allows you to continue using valuable genetics from positive does while still aiming for CAE-negative offspring through strict kid management.
Prioritize Breeding Negative Does: Focus your breeding efforts on CAE-negative does to naturally increase the proportion of CAE-negative offspring.

4. Monitoring and Testing

Regular Testing: Continue regular testing of both groups. For the negative group, annual testing helps confirm their status. For the positive group, testing can help track prevalence if you’re trying to reduce it over time, or simply confirm the status of new additions.
Clinical Observation: Closely monitor all animals for any signs of CAE (lameness, weight loss, neurological symptoms, hard udder). Provide supportive care for symptomatic animals, understanding there is no cure for the viral infection itself.

5. No Cure, Only Supportive Care

It’s important to reiterate that there is no specific antiviral treatment or cure for CAE. Management focuses on preventing transmission and providing supportive care for symptomatic animals. This may include pain relief for arthritic joints, good nutrition, and managing secondary infections.

Managing a CAE-positive herd is a long-term commitment. It requires diligent adherence to biosecurity protocols and careful record-keeping. While challenging, it allows producers to maintain valuable genetics and continue operations while gradually working towards a healthier herd over time.

The Economic and Welfare Impact of CAE

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis is more than just a health issue; it carries significant economic and animal welfare consequences for goat producers.

Economic Impact:

Reduced Milk Production: The mastitic form of CAE (“hard udder”) directly leads to a substantial decrease in milk yield, impacting dairy goat operations. Even the arthritic form can reduce milk production indirectly due to pain and reduced feed intake.
Decreased Growth Rates: Kids affected by the neurological form, or any goat suffering from chronic pain and poor health due to CAE, will have slower growth rates, leading to longer times to market weight or reduced size for breeding stock.
Culling and Replacement Costs: Infected animals, especially those showing severe symptoms, often need to be culled prematurely. This represents a loss of investment in that animal and the additional cost of purchasing or raising a replacement.
Veterinary Expenses: Diagnosing CAE (testing) and providing supportive care for symptomatic animals (e.g., pain medication for arthritis, antibiotics for secondary infections) incurs significant veterinary costs.
Reduced Market Value: CAE-positive animals, even if asymptomatic, typically fetch a lower price if sold, especially for breeding purposes, as buyers seek CAE-negative stock. This limits market opportunities.
Loss of Genetics: If valuable breeding animals become infected, their genetics may be lost to the CAE-negative segment of the herd, or require intensive, careful management of their offspring.
Labor Costs: Implementing strict biosecurity measures, separating animals, and managing specific feeding protocols for kids requires additional labor and time.

Animal Welfare Impact:

Chronic Pain and Discomfort: The arthritic form causes persistent joint pain, lameness, and stiffness, severely impacting the goat’s quality of life and ability to move, graze, and interact naturally.
Neurological Impairment: The neurological form in kids can lead to progressive paralysis, making it difficult or impossible for them to move, feed, or even survive without intensive care. This can be distressing for both the animal and the owner.
Respiratory Distress: Chronic pneumonia can cause ongoing difficulty breathing and discomfort.
Reduced Quality of Life: Overall, chronic CAE infection can lead to a state of general malaise, poor body condition, and a diminished ability to thrive, which is a significant welfare concern.
Increased Susceptibility to Other Diseases: While CAE itself is the primary issue, the chronic stress and compromised health it causes can make goats more vulnerable to other infections and illnesses.

The cumulative effect of these impacts can be substantial, making CAE a significant challenge for goat farming profitability and ethical animal care. This reinforces why proactive prevention and rigorous management are essential for any responsible goat owner.

Working with Your Veterinarian

Managing and preventing CAE is a complex endeavor that greatly benefits from professional veterinary guidance. Your veterinarian is an invaluable partner in developing and implementing an effective CAE control program tailored to your specific farm and goals.

Here’s how your veterinarian can help:

Accurate Diagnosis: Your vet can collect blood samples for CAE testing and send them to a reputable diagnostic laboratory. They can also help you interpret the test results accurately, understanding the nuances of false positives/negatives and the implications for your herd.
Developing a Herd Health Plan: Based on your herd’s current CAE status, your vet can help you create a comprehensive herd health plan. This plan will outline testing schedules, biosecurity protocols, and management strategies for both CAE-positive and CAE-negative animals.
Guidance on Prevention Strategies: They can provide detailed instructions on best practices for preventing CAE, including the precise method for heat-treating colostrum, proper pasteurization techniques for milk, and effective sanitation protocols.
Advice on Culling vs. Segregation: The decision to cull CAE-positive animals or to manage them through segregation is a significant one. Your veterinarian can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your farm’s size, resources, and long-term goals.
Managing Symptomatic Animals: While there’s no cure for CAE, your vet can offer advice on supportive care for goats showing clinical signs, such as pain management for arthritis or treatment for secondary infections.
Sourcing Healthy Animals: If you plan to expand your herd, your vet can advise on reputable sources for CAE-negative goats and the necessary pre-purchase testing and quarantine procedures.
Education: They can educate you and your farm staff on the latest research and best practices for CAE control, ensuring everyone involved understands their role in maintaining herd health.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian at the first sign of concern or when planning to implement a CAE control program. Their expertise is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring the well-being of your goats.

Conclusion

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) presents a significant challenge for goat owners, but it is a manageable disease. While there’s no cure for an infected animal, a proactive and consistent approach to identification and prevention can lead to a healthier, more productive, and ultimately more profitable herd. By understanding how CAE spreads, diligently testing your goats, and implementing strict biosecurity measures—especially the immediate separation of kids at birth and feeding heat-treated colostrum or milk replacer—you can break the cycle of infection. Remember, a CAE-free herd is not just a dream; it’s an achievable goal through informed decisions and dedicated management. Work closely with your veterinarian, stay vigilant, and empower yourself with knowledge to protect your valuable goats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About CAE in Goats

Q1: Can humans get CAE from goats?

No, Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) is a species-specific virus. It only affects goats and does not pose a risk to humans. It is not a zoonotic disease.

Q2: Is there a vaccine available for CAE?

Currently, there is no commercially available and effective vaccine for CAE. Prevention relies entirely on management practices, testing, and biosecurity measures.

Q3: How long can a goat live with CAE?

A goat infected with CAE can live for many years, often for its natural lifespan, especially if it remains asymptomatic. However, if clinical signs develop (like severe arthritis or neurological issues), the goat’s quality of life may be significantly impacted, and its productive lifespan might be shortened. There is no cure, so supportive care is focused on managing symptoms.

Q4: Can I sell a CAE-positive goat?

Yes, you can sell a CAE-positive goat. However, it is ethically and often legally required to disclose its CAE status to the buyer. CAE-positive goats typically have a lower market value, especially for breeding purposes, as most buyers are looking for CAE-negative stock. They may be sold for meat or as pets with full disclosure.

Q5: What is the ideal testing frequency for CAE in a goat herd?

For established herds aiming for CAE eradication, annual testing of all goats over 6 months of age is highly recommended. New animals should always be tested before introduction and ideally retested after a quarantine period. Kids born to positive dams should be tested at 6-12 months of age after maternal antibodies have waned.

Q6: Is raw milk from a CAE-positive goat safe for human consumption?

While CAE itself does not infect humans, consuming raw milk from any goat (CAE-positive or negative) carries risks of other bacterial pathogens (like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria) that can cause illness in humans. For this reason, and to prevent any potential spread of the virus to other animals (e.g., if feeding to calves), it is generally not recommended to consume raw milk from CAE-positive goats. Pasteurization eliminates the CAE virus and most harmful bacteria.

“Hard udder” or “baggy udder” is a common term for the mastitic form of CAE. It refers to a mammary gland that becomes firm, enlarged, and non-painful, often with significantly reduced milk production. Unlike typical bacterial mastitis, it doesn’t usually present with heat, pain, or pus. This condition is a direct manifestation of the CAE virus infecting the udder tissue