Methodological approaches for the prevention and eradication of caprine arthritis-encephalitis in international goat herds: A review

Introduction. Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is a chronic viral disease of goats caused by a lentivirus from the Retroviridae family (small ruminant lentivirus group, SRLV). Infection typically involves prolonged asymptomatic carriage, progressing to debilitating lesions in the joints, central nervous system, lungs, and mammary gland. Transmission occurs primarily via colostrum, milk, and direct contact, including fomites and co-mingling with infected animals. Diagnosis relies on serological and molecular methods. Objective. To summarize international methodological approaches for the prevention of CAE. Materials and methods. This review was conducted based on an analysis of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, official international guidelines, and reports from key organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health. Literature was identified and selected through searches in major scientific databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Hub, CyberLeninka and others. Results. Analysis of the literature indicates that the most effective outcomes in controlling CAE have been achieved in countries with mandatory national eradication programs, which integrate comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and administrative measures (e.g., Norway, Switzerland). In nations with voluntary participation programs (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Italy, France), positive results are also evident, particularly when supported by incentive mechanisms and sustained educational outreach. Conversely, in countries lacking coordinated national programs (e.g., Turkey, Brazil, Iran, and most African nations), disease control remains inadequate, and seroprevalence rates are consistently high. Conclusion. T he most effective outcomes in controlling CAE have been achieved in countries with mandatory national eradication programs, which integrate comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and administrative measures (e.g., Norway, Switzerland).