Caprine arthritis-encephalitis in Switzerland: epidemiologic and clinical studies

The prevalence of infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus was assessed using an indirect ELISA. Antiviral antibodies could be detected in 42% of 5974 goat serum specimens included in this study (Switzerland except Ticino and Graubünden 61%). Infected animals were found in all breeds of goats and in all regions of the country, with the lowest prevalence in the Canton Ticino in southern Switzerland. A comparison of clinical and serological data showed that only 20-30% of the infected animals develop carpitis or mastitis. We did not see any cases of encephalitis in young kids, indicating that this manifestation occurs only infrequently. According to the goat owners, each year, approximately 5-10% of the total goat population are eliminated because of arthritis. The decrease in milk production in infected animals is estimated at 10-15%.