Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is probably the most talked about and contentious disease of goats. CAEV is a lentivirus, in the same family as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which infects goats and sheep. Once infected, the goat remains infected for its lifetime and be a carrier even if it is not sick.
Source: HoofPrint, Fall 2014.
CAEV has five major clinical presentations:
- Arthritis
- Incephalitis
- Interstitial pneumonia
- Mastitiss
- Progressive weight loss
INSIGHTS: The incidence rate of CAEV has declined in recent years. However, as the U.S. goat herd expands literally into our backyards, there is potential for this disease to resurface. Transmission between sheep and goats is possible. In addition to transmission to kids from the dam via colostrum; blood on needles, clippers and dehorners may also transmit the virus.