EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BOVINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS IN BEEF CATTLE IN SOUTHEAST REGION OF THE PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES

MAZZANTI M; JULIARENA M; MEINERI F; CRESPO N; GARCÍA O; MARTÍNEZ L; M. RIVERO; J. PASSUCCI

BIOCELL

Instituto de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo/CONICET

Lugar: Mendoza; Año: 2018 vol. 42 p. 99 - 99

The bovine leukemia virus affects cattle and causes enzootic bovine leukosis, with high economic losses in dairy cattle production systems. Thecurrent epidemiological situation of BLV in beef cattle herds is unknown. This justifies the study of prevalence of infection in beef cattle herdsand the detection of potential risk factors in order to implement prevention and control measures according to BLV prevalence levels. The aim ofthis work was to evaluate the rate of positivity to BLV in beef cattle herds in the south-eastern region of the province of Buenos Aires. Ananalytical study was carried out using a non-probabilistic sampling for convenience in 16 establishments of the region. 15 animals perestablishment were sampled, with a total of 240 sera collected. In addition, a survey was conducted to collect epidemiological information, withemphasis on potential risk factors. The cattle were diagnosed by BLVgp51 antibody detection by means of indirect ELISA method. Theseropositivity rate was 0.41% (95% CI: 0.011-2.300). The positive animal was a bull Aberdeen Angus, in reproductive state. Given the foundpreliminary results, special considerations should be taken at the male reproducers purchase, since they may introduce the infectious agent in thisarea. A preventive measure could be their negative BLV diagnosis at the purchase moment and a quarantine period prior to get the herd.