Bovine Leukosis Virus: Prevalence, Economic Losses, and Management
Michigan Dairy Review
Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV) can lead to losses that include increased heifer replacement costs, loss of income from condemned carcasses of cull cows, reduced fertility and decreased milk production. Larger herds are more likely to test positive for BLV. Common causes include shared syringes and, to a lesser extent, rectal palpation. The average annual cost in a 50% prevalence herd was nearly $6,400 per 100 milking cows. This article offers an introduction on implementing a BLV management program, including how to test prevalence.