Goat Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis: Welfare Impacts of CAE Infection

Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) causes progressive joint disease and encephalitis in goats, with significant and often irreversible welfare impacts on infected animals.

Key Facts

CAEV affects a significant proportion of goat herds in many countries, though UK eradication schemes have reduced prevalence
The virus belongs to the same lentivirus group as Maedi Visna in sheep
Clinical forms include arthritis in adults (most common), encephalitis in kids, and mastitis
There is no treatment for CAEV; infection is lifelong and progressive
Control relies on preventing transmission from dam to kid through colostrum and milk by disinfection or heat treatment

Welfare Considerations

Goats with CAEV arthritis experience progressive and chronic joint pain that fundamentally compromises their quality of life. Affected joints, particularly the carpal joints, become progressively enlarged and painful, causing severe lameness that worsens over time. The inability to walk comfortably affects feeding, social behavior, and overall welfare. In advanced cases, goats cannot rise without assistance and face secondary welfare problems from prolonged recumbency. Encephalitis in kids causes neurological deterioration that is distressing and rapidly progressive. The progressive nature of the disease means that welfare declines continuously in affected animals, requiring ongoing welfare assessment and eventual euthanasia decisions.

What You Can Do

Test all goats for CAEV before purchase and require negative status in purchased animals
Implement kid colostrum management to prevent vertical transmission of CAEV
Join CAEV eradication or accreditation schemes available in the UK
Monitor infected animals closely for welfare deterioration and implement timely euthanasia
Provide adequate pain management for goats with clinical arthritis
Work with your vet to develop a CAEV control strategy appropriate for your herd