Management and Epidemiology of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) is a significant concern within veterinary medicine, affecting goats worldwide. The clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and epidemiological aspects are crucial for veterinary professionals to understand in order to manage this condition effectively.

Clinical Manifestations:

CAEV primarily presents in two forms: the arthritic form, characterized by chronic arthritis, and the encephalitic form, more commonly observed in kids, which leads to neurological symptoms. Adult goats predominantly show signs of progressive weight loss, chronic interstitial pneumonia, mastitis, and arthritis, particularly affecting the carpal joints. In kids, the encephalitic form can lead to ataxia, paresis, and progressive weakness, often resulting in recumbency.

Diagnosis:

Diagnostic approaches for CAEV include serological tests to detect antibodies against the virus, with the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test being a standard method. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays can also be employed to detect viral RNA in blood, milk, and tissues, offering a more direct approach to identifying viral presence.

Histopathological examination of affected tissues can support the diagnosis, particularly in cases with neurological involvement where postmortem findings reveal characteristic changes in the brain.

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Treatment and Management:There is no cure for CAEV, and management focuses on controlling the spread within herds and alleviating symptoms in affected animals. Strategies include segregating seropositive animals, implementing strict biosecurity measures, and pasteurizing milk to prevent vertical transmission from doe to kid. Anti-inflammatory medications may offer symptomatic relief for arthritis, but the efficacy of antiviral treatments in goats has not been established.

Epidemiology:The prevalence of CAEV is significant, with seropositive animals found in diverse geographic regions. Studies have shown varying prevalence rates, influenced by factors such as age, management practices, and the use of pasteurized versus unpasteurized milk for feeding kids. Older animals and those raised on unpasteurized milk have been found to have higher rates of seropositivity. The virus's spread within herds is facilitated by close contact and the use of contaminated equipment.

Conclusion:CAEV poses a considerable challenge to goat farming, necessitating a comprehensive approach to management and control. Veterinary professionals play a critical role in diagnosing the condition, advising on management strategies to minimize spread, and providing supportive care to affected animals. Ongoing research into the disease's pathogenesis and control measures remains vital for developing more effective strategies against CAEV.

References:Pathology in Practice in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 260 Issue 4 (2022)

Effect of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection on expression of interleukin-16 in goats in: American Journal of Veterinary Research Volume 63 Issue 10Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 203 Issue 12 (1993)

Risk factors associated with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection in goats on California dairies in: American Journal of Veterinary Research Volume 52 Issue 3 (1991)

Prevalence of antibody to caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus in goats in the United States in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 200 Issue 6 (1992)

Risk factors associated with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection in goats on California dairies in: American Journal of Veterinary Research Volume 52 Issue 3 (1991)