Healthier goats : Eradication of CAE, CLA & Paratuberculosis in Norwegian goats

Abstract

The project (phase 1) started in 2001 and lasted for 4 years. Guidelines from Switzerland and Sweden were followed from the beginning, but through the years there have been made some modifications. In the pilot project 22 farmers was included and they all have finished the work with good results. In 2005 the decision to expand the project was taken and more money was put into it (phase2) (9). 2010 was the last year of project phase 2 and the decision was made to continue the project in a phase 3, the final phase. Seventy herds ended or started the eradication in 2010, which is twice as much as 2009. After phase 2 altogether 315 herds were done with the eradication or started the eradication through the project, and overall the total number of registered from 2001 was 380 herds. This is far more than the original goal for the number of registered until 2010 which was 200 (11). New data from November 2011 show that from the start in 2001 altogether 462 herds have registered to participate in the program (46). CAE, lymphadenitis and paratuberculosis are diseases which is hard to eradicate. Knowledge about these diseases has previously not been satisfying, but through the project «Healthier goats» much information and knowledge have been gathered. Further there will be more focus on the possibility to test only the milk for antibodies against the diseases. This would be a much easier and more economical way to test the animals. If the proposals of upgrading CAE to a B disease are met, it would mean restrictions for the farms that have not joined the program, and the national food authority will be responsible for checking these farms. The dairy company «Tine» and some of the slaughterhouses have also proposed that they will only pay a minimum price for products coming from infected farms. This will mean further economic losses for the farms which does not join the program. Some of the farms left to join the project might not have followed the previous information about the pros of joining the project. Further work will be done to make sure all the farmers have received the needed information. Testing and monitoring of the goat herds are important to evaluate the effect of the project. If there is an animal testing positive for any of the diseases it is important to isolate this individual before the infection spread. Awareness of how to prevent the diseases and control of livestock animal trade is as important after the eradication process is completed as during the process. This cannot be emphasized enough to the farmers, and it is finally their responsibility to make the eradication successful also in the future. The eradication process is now well established and show good results. Infectious free animals, reconstructions and improvements of the barn and increased focus on hygiene, nutrition and care of the animals demonstrate improvement of the animal well-fare. Farmers rapport more vital and stronger goats, some actually find them more difficult to handle. Results from the project also get attention internationally. Dairy products from healthy goats are often preferred by the consumers. Project leaders and people working with the project are proud of what they have accomplished. The goat industry in Norway is now much healthier and the farmers are much more positive regarding the future of this industry. There is no doubt that goats will still adorn the picture of small villages and hilly terrains in Norway for many years.