The epidemiological background of small ruminant lentivirus infection in goats from Romania

Background and Aim: Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is an economically significant viral disease of goats caused by a small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) belonging to Retroviridae family. This study aimed to summarize current information on the epidemiological status of SRLVs infection in the population of goats from Romania and to point out the CAE incidence throughout the 2008-2018 periods. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive review of the papers published in the international literature concerning the epidemiological status of CAE in Romania was carried out using electronic databases, and available statistical data from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the incidence of the disease between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. Results: The true individual-level seroprevalence of CAE was estimated in 13 of 42 counties (31%) and ranged from 0.4% to roughly 40%. One hundred eighty-two outbreaks from 14 counties (33%) were reported, with a peak in 2010. Conclusion: The findings sourcing in the literature are very scarce and show disagreement with the situation reported by the national veterinary authorities. Lack of SRLVs screening policies represents the main obstacle in limiting the spread of the disease. Romania's National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority should implement a program for diagnosis and surveillance of the disease to build a straightforward epidemiological picture that represents a prerequisite of any control and eradication program.