Versuche zur Übertragung des caprinen Arthritis-Enzephalitisvirus auf Rinder

Ten seropositive goats, which eventually died from caprine arthritis-encephalitis or were slaughtered after the appearance of extreme clinical signs, were placed in contact with six cattle of various ages for 24 months in isolation units. Serum samples from all animals were examined at monthly intervals for the presence of precipitating antibodies in the immunodiffusion test. After 15 months no antibodies were detected and the cattle were immunosuppressed using the greatest recommended dose of dexamethasone. this treatment was repeated five months later when the goats received the same treatment. None of the cattle developed any specific antibody and it is concluded that CAE virus is not transmitted to cattle under natural conditions