CAPRINE ARTHRITIS ENCEPHALITIS SERUMPREVALENCE IN A GOATS HERD IN LOS SANTOS PROVINCE, REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.

Abstract

In the Experimental Station of El Ejido, located in Los Santos Province was carried out the study of caprine arthritis encephalitis serumprevalence in a goats herd (with high breeding proportion of Saanen breed). With this aim, the records of the station, individual identification and age were registered. After that in October 1996, blood samples were taken from 49 animals older than seven month. Blood serum samples were investigated employing Inmunodifution Serological Technique in Agar Gel (IDGA, Veterinary Diagnostic Technonogy Inc. USA, 1989). The obtained results shown the serumprevalence of the virus in the herd., with a general prevalence of 51% (25/49). The analysis according age shown 50% (6/12), 37% (10/27) and 90% (9/10) for goats wit ages around 12, 30 and olders up to 96 months, respectively. This is the first serological report of this disease in the Republic of Panama.