Lets talk about goats!

[GAMarans]

H ... after your last post I did do some more research on the subject. If for absolutely no other reason than furthering my education on the subject, I thank you. Talked to the vet again today (just to be extra sure) and he said that he would test him if we wanted but he sees zero need based on his knowledge of our herd and the symptoms. Very interesting fact that I did come across a couple of times today ... any goat can 'revert' and develop CAE even if the farm herd has been negative for generations. And apparently a positive result doesn't mean that the goat actually has the disease, just the antibodies. This whole discussion has lead me through a lot more research ... and not just on this subject. (I tend to get off on tangents ... one subject leads to another and another.)

We all (hopefully) care for and about our animals and can never finish learning.

 

[H Diamond]

H ... after your last post I did do some more research on the subject. If for absolutely no other reason than furthering my education on the subject, I thank you. Talked to the vet again today (just to be extra sure) and he said that he would test him if we wanted but he sees zero need based on his knowledge of our herd and the symptoms. Very interesting fact that I did come across a couple of times today ... any goat can 'revert' and develop CAE even if the farm herd has been negative for generations. And apparently a positive result doesn't mean that the goat actually has the disease, just the antibodies. This whole discussion has lead me through a lot more research ... and not just on this subject. (I tend to get off on tangents ... one subject leads to another and another.)

We all (hopefully) care for and about our animals and can never finish learning.

Lol, I go on tangents too.

Yes, you are correct the test is for the antibodies. That being said, if a goat is infected, they produce the antibodies and a positive test result is not indicative of immunity. If they test positive, they definitely are diseased an possibly will shed it to other goats. A goat may also be infected, but not symptomatic for many many years. A goat may also be infected but has not made antibodies yet, therefore test results will show a false negative.

Do I think your goat has CAE? No, I doubt it, and it's not really worth testing one if you aren't testing your whole herd.

Maybe I enjoy discussion too much, lol. Maybe it's the fact that a lot of folks (not saying you are, just want to clarify that, lol) go into goats clueless. They go to the sale barn and bring disease home, then are stuck with it. It's one of my goals in life to spread awareness about goat disease (I know that sounds stupid) because I was one of those people who got screwed over many many years ago by someone trying to dump their problem. (Wasn't even at a sale barn!)

 

[RoboDuck]

Can I interest anyone in a very friendly but apparently sterile nd doe? $75. Great pet for anyone not interested in beeeding.

 

[GAMarans]

Lol, I go on tangents too.

Yes, you are correct the test is for the antibodies. That being said, if a goat is infected, they produce the antibodies and a positive test result is not indicative of immunity. If they test positive, they definitely are diseased an possibly will shed it to other goats. A goat may also be infected, but not symptomatic for many many years. A goat may also be infected but has not made antibodies yet, therefore test results will show a false negative.

Do I think your goat has CAE? No, I doubt it, and it's not really worth testing one if you aren't testing your whole herd.

Maybe I enjoy discussion too much, lol. Maybe it's the fact that a lot of folks (not saying you are, just want to clarify that, lol) go into goats clueless. They go to the sale barn and bring disease home, then are stuck with it. It's one of my goals in life to spread awareness about goat disease (I know that sounds stupid) because I was one of those people who got screwed over many many years ago by someone trying to dump their problem. (Wasn't even at a sale barn!)

Absolutely appreciate it. Discussion is where dry information comes to life and really sinks in ... and you never know who is "listening" and might gain from it as well.

 

[poult]

It's one of the things that I enjoy so much here ... the sharing of information, experiences, etc.  

Definitely!

H ... after your last post I did do some more research on the subject.  If for absolutely no other reason than furthering my education on the subject, I thank you.  Talked to the vet again today (just to be extra sure) and he said that he would test him if we wanted but he sees zero need based on his knowledge of our herd and the symptoms.  Very interesting fact that I did come across a couple of times today ... any goat can 'revert' and develop CAE even if the farm herd has been negative for generations.  And apparently a positive result doesn't mean that the goat actually has the disease, just the antibodies.  This whole discussion has lead me through a lot more research ... and not just on this subject.  (I tend to get off on tangents ... one subject leads to another and another.)

We all (hopefully) care for and about our animals and can never finish learning.  

I love reading this stuff!

Lol, I go on tangents too. 

Yes, you are correct the test is for the antibodies. That being said, if a goat is infected, they produce the antibodies and a positive test result is not indicative of immunity. If they test positive, they definitely are diseased an possibly will shed it to other goats. A goat may also be infected, but not symptomatic for many many years. A goat may also be infected but has not made antibodies yet, therefore test results will show a false negative. 

Do I think your goat has CAE? No, I doubt it, and it's not really worth testing one if you aren't testing your whole herd.

Maybe I enjoy discussion too much, lol. Maybe it's the fact that a lot of folks (not saying you are, just want to clarify that, lol) go into goats clueless. They go to the sale barn and bring disease home, then are stuck with it. It's one of my goals in life to spread awareness about goat disease (I know that sounds stupid) because I was one of those people who got screwed over many many years ago by someone trying to dump their problem. (Wasn't even at a sale barn!) 

One thing I have learned READ ABOUT THE SPECIE BEFORE PURCHASING that is so very important! I have gotten into many problems for not doing so! Now I know better.

Can I interest anyone in a very friendly but apparently sterile nd doe? $75. Great pet for anyone not interested in beeeding.

No thanks but I hope you find a home for her! I can't get a goat right now & if I do I plan on milking her.Sorry.

 

[RoboDuck]

Ah it was just a half joking attempt. She i really sweet and will stay right where she is unless a petting zoo or something wants her. She is an amazing browser. I love watching her climb up small trees to push them over so she can reach the good stuff at the top. Small pines and sweet gums don't stand a chance with her.

 

[poult]

Oh oky doky

 

[RTFchickens]

Hi all, I haven't posted in a while. My doe kidded on Feb 15th. She had triplets. 2 boys, 1 girl. One of the boys and the girl both died the same night. It was -20 outside, and even with a heat lamp they froze to death. The biggest baby, a buck survived and is doing well now. Here is a picture.

 

[dan26552]

Hi all, I haven't posted in a while. My doe kidded on Feb 15th. She had triplets. 2 boys, 1 girl. One of the boys and the girl both died the same night. It was -20 outside, and even with a heat lamp they froze to death. The biggest baby, a buck survived and is doing well now. Here is a picture.

Oh I'm sorry to hear that

he's cute!

 

[Devastating]

@RTFchickens, wow, triplets! I've never experienced that. I'm sorry for your losses. At least this kid survived. I agree, he is adorable!