How to get goats tested for CAE, etc.

[Blue Ridge]

I read about getting your goats tested for CAE, CL, and John's.

But, where/how do you get them tested? Do you have to have the vet do it, or is this something you can do yourself?

Also, you only test older than 6 months, right?

And, if you have a "closed" herd, why do you test annually? Or why not test only when you introduce new goats into the herd?

Thanks.

[Doug Hodges]

http://www.biotracking.com/pdfs/CAEV...2011-23-07.pdf

Form for CAE testing through bio tracking.

Next is the WADDL website for CL and Johness testing.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts_waddl/fees.aspx

I simply called both places. They are very helpful.

As for yearly testing. The CAE can show up later. (Or so that's a theory)

Just test for the other two things once with a closed herd or test when bringing in new.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Here's a how to with links to instructions for drawing blood:http://www.quirkygoatfarm.blogspot.c...g-for-cae.html

[dozedotz]

Not too long ago our almost veterinarian (who will be coming to MO with her degree in hand just as soon as she graduates!) MyGoat, gave a really good response to "why" every year...basically some people do it even though their herd is closed to be able to present the buyer with a current, up-to-date, written proof of negative status. That is not as crazy as it sounds...unfortunately, CAE does show up "later." Why? Apparently, sometimes the test is taken at just the wrong time (perhaps too soon from the time of exposure) and the antibodies are not developed and picked up. Also, not all goats get the disease from colostrum. About 20% (if I recall what the Bio-Tracking guy told me) comes about from other exposure...sometimes unknown (no shows, etc.). Hope that helps.

[Backfourty,MI.]

I send my blood to WADDL for all my disease testing. Make sure you have at least 2cc & that is enough for Johnnes, CAE & CL

[GraceAlice]

I say someone should make this post a sticky.