CAEV stands for Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus. It is a retrovirus that primarily infects goats, leading to chronic and progressive diseases in these animals.
Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus belongs to the Lentivirus genus within the Retroviridae family. The virus is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated colostrum, milk, or saliva from infected animals. It can also be transmitted vertically from an infected mother to her offspring during gestation or via contact with contaminated equipment or needles.
CAEV infection affects various body systems and can manifest as arthritis, encephalitis, mastitis, and interstitial pneumonia. Clinical signs may include lameness, joint swelling, stiff gait, progressive paralysis, wasting, and pneumonia.
The virus establishes a lifelong infection, and affected animals often experience a progressive deterioration in health. Chronic infection with CAEV can lead to reduced milk production, weight loss, decreased fertility, and ultimately, premature death.
To diagnose CAEV, various laboratory tests such as serology, reverse transcriptase-PCR, and culture can be employed. Although no specific treatment or cure is available, management practices focus on preventing the spread of the virus and maintaining the health and welfare of infected goats. Prevention strategies include segregating infected animals, avoiding the use of contaminated colostrum or milk, and testing and culling infected individuals from the herd.
Overall, CAEV is a significant concern in goat populations, necessitating strict biosecurity measures and surveillance to control its spread and minimize its impact on animal health and productivity.
