CAE

Testing for does and kids infected with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) is an important investment in the health and performance of the flock. Producers make significant management and culling decisions based on CAE test results, so the test they use must be accurate and reliable.

CFLA, LLC offers testing for CAE, which producers can administer by gathering blood samples. Both serum and plasma testing are proven means to detect on-farm presence of the virus.

The Veterinary Medicine Research & Development (VMRD) CAE test, performed by CFLA, LLC, is a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) which detects antibodies of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAE) in sheep sera. Central Florida Large Animal believes that by providing CAE diagnosis along with pregnancy results, producers are ideally equipped with information to make the best management decisions possible.

How It Works

Producers can employ the USDA-licensed test using blood samples, of which can be the same blood samples sent in for pregnancy diagnosis. Strong color development at the lab indicates the absence of CAEV antibody in sample sera. Weak color development then indicates the presence of CAEV antibodies in the sera.
Results of the test on submitted samples can be received via fax, e-mail or phone.

How To Use

1. Clip the animal’s neck to see the jugular vein. Use electric shears to shave a patch approximately 4 inches wide by 8 inches long. Shaving an area allows for easier viewing of the vein and provides a clean area in order to minimize the chance of introducing dirt or bacteria into the vein with the needle.
Note: Blood sampling can be done with assistance or alone; however, producers who are new at blood sampling will benefit from having assistance.