“Is Your Goat Herd Silently Dying? Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Symptoms, Prevention & Survival Guide”
Primarily via ingestion of infected colostrum/milk. Less commonly through respiratory secretions, blood, equipment, and in utero.
- Arthritic (adults): Polyarthritis, swollen carpal/knee joints (“big knees”), lameness. - Encephalitic (kids 2–6 months): Ataxia, paralysis, head tilt, seizures. - Mastitic: Indurative mastitis with hard udder and reduced milk production. - Pneumonic: Interstitial pneumonia; difficulty breathing and chronic cough.
Both CAE and MV affect lungs, joints, udder, and brain, causing inflammation in these organs. Mastitis is common and reduces milk yield.