Prevalence of CAEV infections in goat herds

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) in white improved goats, colored improved goats, Saanen goats, Alpine goats and Boer goats, raised in three regions of Poland. The analysis of CAEV infection levels was carried out in goat herds from the provinces in mid-Eastern Poland. The analysis included four goat herds. In total, they encompassed 251 herds of the following breeds: white improved goat, colored improved goat, Saanen goat, Alpine goat and Boer goat. The identification of the infected animals and the assessment of the epidemiological condition of the herds was carried out using serological analysis of blood serum samples. The assay of CAEV-specific antibodies in blood serum was performed using ELISA test. As a result of the observations it was established that with regards to the provinces, the prevalence level ranged from 35.40% in Mazowieckie province to 81.10% in Lubelskie province, and the average infection rate of animals in the studied region was 51.60%. As far as the breeds are concerned, it was found that the observed infection rate of the Saanen goat population was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than the rates for improved white goat (48.90%) and Alpine goat (50.00%). In relation to the colored improved goat, the calculated statistical difference was greater (p ≤ 0.01), and the percentage of infected animals was 32.10%. The analysis of the infection rate in the Boer goat herd revealed that 66.70% of animals are seropositive, and the statistical analysis did not show any significant differences in prevalence compared to other studied breeds. To sum up, it should be noted that the improvement of the situation may be attributed to consistent examination of goats and development of CAEV-elimination programs for herds. When creating programs aimed at the elimination of the virus it is also important to remember to raise the awareness of the farmers with regards to the detrimental effect of CAEV infections..