Initial Multitarget Approach Shows Importance for Improved Caprine Arthritis-encephalitis Virus Control Program in Russia for Hobbyist Goat Farms

Abstract

In this study we have approached the detection of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) using a multi target approach testing with both ELISA and an in-house real-time PCR test to investigate the prevalence of CAEV in goats from hobbyist farms in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Animals from three hobbyist farms were used in this study. The animals from two farms (n=13 for F1 and n=8 for F2) had clinical signs of arthritis and mastitis. In the third farm (n=15 for F3), all goats were homebred and had no contact with imported animals. CAEV antibodies (ELISA targets TM ENV and GaG genes) were detected in serum samples from two farms (F1 and F2), indicating a seroprevalence 87.50-92.31%. Specific CAEV antibodies were also detected in milk samples. CAEV proviral DNA was detected in 53.85-62.50%. Results from all tests performed in the third farm (F3) were negative, indicting all tests apparent specificity of 100%. The results of this work show that CAEV is circulating and present in small hobbyist goat farms in Russia. Serological and molecular tests could be of importance for CAEV control and eradication programs in Russia for hobbyist goat farms.