Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV)

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV)

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus is a lentivirus affecting goats (and occasionally sheep), causing chronic progressive disease with serious welfare and productivity implications. It is transmitted vertically through colostrum/milk and horizontally via prolonged close contact or contaminated equipment.

CAEV is responsible for several clinical syndromes:

• Arthritis – lameness, swollen joints, reduced mobility (especially carpal joints)
• Encephalitis – most common in kids, causing ataxia, paresis, and wasting
• Mastitis(“hard udder”) – reduced milk yield without inflammatory signs
• Interstitial pneumonia and weight loss in adults

qPCR testing allows:

• Sensitive detection of proviral DNA in whole blood (EDTA) or milk
• Identification of subclinical carriers —crucial in early stages or in control programs
• Faster and more reliable than serology in young or recently exposed animals

qPCR is highly valuable for:

• Breeding herd certification and disease eradication programs
• Screening animals prior to introduction into CAEV-free herds
• Monitoring milk transmission risk in intensive dairy goat operations

Early diagnosis supports biosecurity, culling decisions, and long-term improvement of herd health and productivity.