Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a viral disease of goats caused by a lentivirus called caprine arthritis encephalitis virus.
In goats which develop the neurological form of the disease, the onset of signs is gradual over several weeks.
The goat will be uncoordinated, and unable to place its feet properly, so that it "knuckles", that is, it stands with the front of its fetlock on the ground, rather than its hoof.
[5] Blood testing goats for CAE virus before moving them into a new herd will prevent the spread of the disease.
To prevent spread of the disease, infected animals are separated from non-infected goats, or culled.