However, antibody levels can wax and wane and the animal could test negative at some point during infection, but this is rare. Therefore, if the test result is unexpected further testing and investigation is recommended.Īnimals infected with SRLV are infected for life and an animal that tested true positive by the cELISA test would not later clear the infection. Lastly, although the SRLV cELISA test is a USDA licensed test showing excellent ability to detect virus antibody, it is not a perfect test. Animals that are negative should be periodically tested (twice a year for the 1st year, and annually thereafter). While the latter case does not appear to be common, it is a good reason to retest all negative animal when not in a closed herd.
#Caprine goat free
As many as 70% of positive animals may be free of clinical signs of the disease and remain so for years or life.Ī negative result means that an animal is either not infected or has been recently infected and is producing amounts of antibody too low to be detected. We recommend re-testing these animals after six months of age to determine their true infection status. A young kid or lamb not infected with SRLV may also test antibody positive for several months due to passive transfer of maternal antibodies from the colostrum. This animal is regarded as potentially contagious for the virus and can spread virus through contact with milk, blood, and secretions. Ideally, a multi-year record for the herd of origin will be available to provide likelihood of risk of infection.Ĭonsidering herd prevalence information and/or consistent clinical signs, a positive result means the animal has been infected with the SRLV and has made antibodies reactive with the SRLV antigens used in this test. For example, the predictive value of a negative result is enhanced if all herd mates also test negative. Serology test results must be interpreted considering herd-level prevalence of infection.