ABSTRACT
Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus transmission was evaluated, and the presence and activity of the virus circulating in blood, colostrum and milk of infected animals was studied in 15 seronegative kids, using agar gel immunodiffusion and ELISA. The presence and viability of the virus circulating in blood, colostrum and milk of infected animals, as well as the possibility of infection of susceptible animals by inoculation was indirectly demonstrated. Incubation period ranged from 45 to 60 days, being ELISA test more sensitive than agar gel immunodiffusion, because it could detect early antibodies.
KEY WORDS:
CAEV; arthritis; caprine; milk; colostrum; blood.