Herbal Cure for CAE in Goats

CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) is often a touchy subject among goat herders. The condition, generally brought upon or worsened by stress, is typically fatal and contagious. Yet a goat may live with the condition. As such, many farmers will separate a goat with CAE from the rest of the herd. There is no cure. However, there may be herbal help to ease your goat's suffering.

  1. Herbs for Stress Relief and Disease

    • Foremost, as the condition is certainly aggravated by stress, try placing the goat in as stress-free an environment as possible. This means make sure it has a clean place to live with shelter, food and water, and access to both sunny and shady areas. Beyond this, the herbal treatment works on several levels.

      The farmers at Fias Co Farms recommend a blended remedy called Immune Support Tincture which contains astragalus, echinacea, licorice root, St. John's wort, Oregon grape root and stevia. This combination of herbs are known for possessing immunostimulant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It was originally developed for goats to aid with pneumonia, and symptoms of congestion, raspy-sounding lungs, runny noses and coughing. Garlic is another herb which could be added to your goat's diet as it contains antiviral properties as well.

      To deal with the CAE virus, a tincture of St. John's wort is recommended. As well, it should help with keeping the goats calmer and less stressed.

    Herbs for Pain

    • For the pain and swelling of the knees associated with CAE, comfrey may help. The herb can be used in a poultice made from the dried herb or can be applied as an herbal oil. Another recommended product is Molly's Marvelous Herbal Salve which is made in a base of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and contains comfrey leaf, calendula flower, bee's wax, tea tree oil, lavender oil and vitamin E, all the ingredients natural and organic.

      Also for pain, consider Aches N'Painz Salve, which contains sweet almond oil, comfrey, bee's wax, menthol, camphor, cajuput, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender essential oils and vitamin E. The makers of this product recommend it as an aid for treating CAE.

      For inflammation and also for pain, the herbs feverfew and yucca root may help. And for the arthritis, glucosamine sulfate may help.