We just completed CAE testing on our entire herd (all goats over 8 months) and are officially negative.

What is CAE?

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a contagious viral disease of goats. The disease is typically spread from mother to kid through the ingestion of colostrum or milk. CAE virus may also be spread among adult goats through contact with body secretions including blood and feces of infected goats.

There are 5 major forms of CAE in goats: arthritis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pneumonia, mastitis, and chronic wasting. The arthritic form of the disease is most common in adult goats, while the encephalitic form is most common in kids. The chronic wasting form of the disease can occur either seperately or in addition to any other form of CAE.

How do you test for CAE?

A blood test can diagnose CAE. We use Integrative Dairy Services in Dublin, TX. The test costs $4 per goat. You can draw blood yourself and send at least 2cc of blood in a 3cc red top blood tube. The lab sends results the same day as they samples are received.