Test for CAE and CL

Purchase goats only from herds with documented negative CAE and CL test results. Test your entire herd annually via veterinary blood draw — CAE uses ELISA serology, CL uses synergistic hemolysis inhibition (SHI) testing. Quarantine all new arrivals for 30 days and require negative test results before integration. If CL abscesses appear, isolate the animal immediately and have a vet lance and flush in a contained area.

Why It Works

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) is a retrovirus transmitted through colostrum and close contact, causing progressive arthritis, mastitis, and encephalitis with no cure. Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) is a Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterial infection causing internal and external abscesses that shed highly contagious material. Both diseases are lifelong once contracted, making prevention through testing and biosecurity the only effective strategy.

Tips

• CAE-positive does can still raise kids if kids are pulled at birth and fed heat-treated colostrum (135°F for 1 hour)
• CL abscesses that rupture contaminate soil for months — never lance them on open pasture
• Request test results from sellers and verify through their veterinarian before purchase