The effect of colostrum-derived antibody on neo-natal transmission of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection.

Two groups of 6 newborn goat kids were artificially fed colostrum containing antibody to caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) virus, obtained from clinically affected does. Kids in group A were fed the colostrum from birth until 7 days of age, while kids in group B were fed colostrum from 1 to 3 days after birth for 7 days. Kids were fed cow's milk at all other times. Serum antibody resulting from the consumption of colostrum, detected by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) tests, lasted for up to 8 weeks in group A, but none was detected in group B. Four kids from each group became infected with CAE virus as demonstrated by the emergence of active immunity and by virus isolation procedures. It appeared that uptake of colostral antibody by group A did not prevent viral transmission, interfere with development of active immunity, or modify the outcome of the CAE virus infection.