testing new goat questions..

[Ziptie]

So, poking around here not real hard(and to get updated info). What is the tests that should be done for buying a year old alpine doe and buck?

CL
CAE

For just the doe?
Brucellosis
Johnes

Is there anyone who does all the testing?

If the owner said testing has been done. How old of a test would you accept?

[mygoat]

I test before purchase, and then isolate for 3 months and retest. Incoming stock here is tested twice for CAE, CL, and Johnes NO MATTER THE SEX. I test NO MATTER WHAT the previous owners results' say. I drive out and draw blood myself to send in, too. I do the CL test because it is the only tool I have besides someone's word. I keep in mind that the CL test is finicky and can have false positives/negatives. Two negative tests have a higher confidence than one negative test, however, so I find it useful to some degree. After the two tests on incoming stock, I do not do yearly testing for CL. Herd does get tested yearly for CAE and Johnes because those two are more accurate and worthwhile, whereas CL is 10.00/goat and less accurate. My herd history (no abscesses and strict biosecurity, rarely buying/selling, and no showing) is more descriptive than CL testing anyways. Buyers are always welcome to test however.

Honestly, the validity of the prior tests correlates greatly with the herd dynamics of the prior owner. Do they bring in new animals and practice good disease prevention/biosecurity? Do they show? What other animals do they have? Sheep/cattle can transmit Johnes and CL to goats. Does the herd have a history of abscesses and if so, were they CULTURED? ALWAYS ASK TO SEE RESULTS. Do not just take them at their word.

I isolate for 3 months not just because of the big 3 diseases, but also because of worms, external/internal parasites, and things that are hard to test for like Sore Mouth.

Originally Posted by Ziptie

So, poking around here not real hard(and to get updated info). What is the tests that should be done for buying a year old alpine doe and buck?

CL
CAE

For just the doe?
Brucellosis
Johnes

Is there anyone who does all the testing?

Depends on what's important to you. If testing is a concern for you, and you will be drinking the milk, then all 4 of the above should be done. At least for purchasing an incoming animal. Once you have had them and tested for a while, then you can just test for your most important for sales of kids.

Originally Posted by Ziptie

If the owner said testing has been done. How old of a test would you accept?

None.
Have the blood drawn yourself and submit the samples yourself. That way you can test for all that you need and the tests are current and the results will be sent directly to you. No questions then. Of course you can't do this on a kid purchase, but the goats you mentioned can be tested now.