[Initial cases of caprine arthritis-encephalitis in The Netherlands]

In a relatively large flock of dairy goats, a few goats suffered from arthritis. Serological investigation revealed the presence of antibodies to lentiviruses, which prompted pathological and virological investigation of two goats. The clinical and pathological picture showed strong resemblance with the descriptions of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE). The virus that was subsequently isolated yielded a cytopathological effect characteristic of lentiviruses. Molecular analysis of the antibody response of both goats by means of the Western blotting technique revealed a close antigenic relationship with known CAE-virus isolates. On the basis of these results, the first diagnosis of CAE in the Netherlands was made.