Bovino leukaemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of tvo related conditions in cattle: the lymphosarcoma, common neoplastic disease of cattle, and persistent lymphocytosis, a benign proliferation of lymphoide cells. The identification of BLV in 1969 and the subsequent development of sensitive serological techniques allowed the recognition that infections of BLV are prevalent in many countries, especially in dairy cattle. Because of there 's no effective therapy or vaccine, the investigations concentrate on modes of transmission and the development of control and prevention programmes. This paper reviews the BLV, as to their modes of infection, clinical disease and laboratory diagnosis and also describes measures which the owner may take to prevent or control the dissemination of the virus in the herd.
bovine leukemia virus; enzootic bovino leukosis