# Serological Insights into Infectious Agents Circulating in Lithuanian Goats

## TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence of various infectious diseases in Lithuanian goats, finding that toxoplasmosis and CAE are the most common.

## Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive serological data on multiple pathogens in Lithuanian goats.

## Key findings

- Toxoplasma gondii had the highest seroprevalence at 38.9%.
- CAE virus was detected in 19.5% of samples.
- Mixed infections were found in 7.6% of samples, with toxoplasmosis and CAE being the most frequent co-infections.

## Abstract

There is limited information in Lithuania regarding goat diseases and their epidemiological status. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of major pathogens affecting goats, including Toxoplasma gondii, caprine arthritis–encephalitis virus (CAE), Hypoderma spp., Neospora caninum, Mycoplasma spp., pestiviruses (Border disease virus), and Coxiella burnetii (Q fever). A total of 380 blood samples were collected from goats in 30 herds across Lithuania. Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii and pestiviruses were not detected, whereas seropositivity to all other investigated pathogens was observed, indicating exposure within the goat population. Mixed infections were detected in 7.6% of the tested samples, with toxoplasmosis and CAE being the most frequent co-infections. The results provide insight into the epidemiological situation of important infectious diseases in the Lithuanian goat population. Continued surveillance, increased awareness among goat farmers, and further research are essential to improve herd health, prevent disease spread, and support sustainable goat farming in Lithuania.

Pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, lentiviruses (e.g., CAE), Hypoderma spp., Neospora caninum, Mycoplasma spp., and pestiviruses are important for goat farming in Lithuania; however, data on their prevalence remain limited. To address this gap, a multi-pathogen study was conducted between 2021 and 2024 using selected ELISA kits (ID.vet, Innovative Diagnostics, France). A total of 380 blood samples were collected from 30 goat herds across different regions of Lithuania; the sample size varied depending on the pathogen. Serum samples were tested for antibodies, and seroprevalence was calculated for each pathogen. The highest seroprevalence was detected for T. gondii (38.9%, 143/368) and CAE virus (19.5%, 74/380). Antibodies to Mycoplasma spp. (0.3%, 1/368), Hypoderma spp. (3.8%, 7/184), and N. caninum (0.5%, 2/368) were detected only sporadically, while no antibodies to Border disease virus or Q fever were identified. Mixed infections were found in 7.6% of samples. Chi-square analysis showed that co-infections with toxoplasmosis and CAE occurred more frequently than expected (χ2 = 19.05, p < 0.001). Herd size was significantly associated only with CAE seroprevalence (χ2 = 7.913, df = 1, p < 0.05). Overall, toxoplasmosis and CAE were identified as the most epidemiologically relevant infections in the Lithuanian goat population.