Bovine Leukemia Virus in Bovine Aborted Fetuses

Abstract

can present persistent lymphocytosis, and, of these, 2 to 5% may develop lymphosarcoma [15,16]. This disease reaches high rates of seroreactivity in intensively managed dairy cattle, and has been reported in all regions of Brazil [17]. There is no specific legislation for BLV control in the country, although it is recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health that countries importing live animals, semen, and embryos should certify them as BLV-free [18]. The high prevalence and wide distribution of BLV in Brazil suggests that the virus should be investigated as a potential pathogen involved in bovine abortion. A primary characteristic of BLV is mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in multiple organs of immature and adult cattle [15,19] and this type of cell has been observed in