Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus

CAEV is commonly transferred within the goat species by ingestion of colostrum or milk from an infected goat, and to a lesser extent, cross-species CAEV transfer by sheep is possible.

Symptoms

CAEV adversely affects the immune system of its host, causing a disease known as caprine arthritis encephalitis. Common symptoms resulting from CAEV infection include arthritis, pneumonia, indurative mastitis, and encephalitis. One of the first and most common signs of CAEV infection is weight loss. However, many goats will not show any symptoms. Goats that do show symptoms may display swollen knee or carpal joints, lose body condition, and develop a rough hair coat. Pregnant and nursing goats will display a "hard udder", which is firm and swollen, and produce little milk.