Control of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in a Norwegian goat herd.

A control programme for caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis) infection was established in a Norwegian goat herd comprising approximately 100 milking goats. The herd seroprevalences of antibodies against CAEV and C. pseudotuberculosis were 97% and 94%, respectively. Kids were removed from the infected flock at birth, avoiding any contact between dam and kid. The kids were kept completely segregated from the seropositive flock and fed cow's colostrum and milk. A seronegative flock was established, based on the removed kids and their offspring. Goasts belonging to the seronegative flock were allowed to kid naturally and to mother their kids. The seropositive flock was slaughtered during the second year of the control programme. After washing and disinfection, housing systems and nearby outdoor premises were left empty for 3 months. Of 230 goats examined for antibodies against CAEV with ELISA regularly during 3 years of the control program, altogether 6 were found to be seropositive, while for 10 the result was indeterminate. All 16 animals were immediately culled. During the third year of the control programme, all goats were examined and proved negative for antibodies against C. pseudotuberculosis by a haemolysis inhibition test. Clinical examination revealed no signs of CAE or caseous lymphadenitis.