Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is one of the most serious diseases facing the goat industry today. It is an incurable viral infection that causes arthritis, a hardened udder which produces no milk, swollen joints, and a general wasting away. There is currently no vaccine for the disease. The only way to avoid its devastating effects is to prevent animals from becoming infected.

The most common route of transmission is through the milk, although saliva and possibly semen are two additional routes. Heat-treatment of colostrum and pasteurization of milk will kill the virus and are the only known ways of preventing the infection from passing to uninfected kids.Testing for positive reactors is available. Please consult with your veterinarian regarding the procedure and its availability in your area.

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