The occurrence of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) in Namibia--an epidemiological study
Kaura, H.T.; Hübschle, O.J.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 101(2): 66-67
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 8149904 Document Number: 430295
A seroepidemiological survey for antibodies to bovine leukemia virus (BLV) (synonymous with bovine C-type and bovine leukosis virus) in cattle in Namibia was performed. A BLV glycoprotein antigen was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In 410 (12.3%) out of a total of 3,343 sera, bovine leukemia virus antibodies were detected. The infection rate per State Veterinary District (SVD), varied from 0% (Keetmanshoop) to 52.6% (East-Caprivi). Since persistent antibodies to BLV proteins are a constant and early feature of BLV infection, a serological survey of cattle populations is the best method for detection of BLV infection.