Serological survey to determine the prevalence of bovine leukaemia virus antibodies in dairy cattle on selected farms in the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.

ABSTRACT

Cattle from a farm where enzootic bovine leukosis had been diagnosed were tested to determine the prevalence of bovine leukaemia virus antibodies. Farmers who had bought cattle from this farm were identified and their herds also tested. Of 381 adult dairy cattle tested, 14 animals reacted positively (3.67%). Cattle (n = 81) from 3 selected herds, not associated with the affected farm were also bled and 7 animals reacted positively (8.64%).