Bovine leukemia virus transmission by dehorning in dairy heifers

Authors

  • Robert L. Darlington Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, Snohomish, Washington 98290
  • Ronald F. Digiacomo Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
  • James F. Evermann College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1984no19p144-146

Keywords:

Bovine leukosis, cattle diseases, Complications, dehorning, Disease transmission, transmission

Abstract

In a commercial dairy, heifers dehorned by the Barnes gouge method without rinsing in disinfectant solution and not cauterizing had significantly more heifers (50%) developing antibodies to BLV, as measured by agar-gel immunodiffusion, three months after dehorning than calves not dehorned (14%). With the demonstration of this mode of transmission of BLV in the herd, the practice of gouge dehorning was discontinued and electrical dehorning at 6 to 12 weeks of age instituted. The entire herd is presently being bled at 6-month intervals to determine whether BLV infection will be delayed in time or eliminated.

Cover image of the 19th Volume of the Bovine Practitioner: a vintage photo of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines

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Published

1984-11-01

Issue

No. 19 (1984 November)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Bovine leukemia virus transmission by dehorning in dairy heifers. (1984). The Bovine Practitioner, 1984(19), 144-146. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1984no19p144-146