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Last Updated: Feb 23, 2009 - 6:31:55 PM |
Dr. Warren Bohnhoff, DVM
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The spread of BLV is on the rise, and I felt a list of recommendations that can lead to its reduction would be helpful:
- Use only single use disposable needles, insemination sleeves, and palpation sleeves and then discard.
- Reduce the number of biting insects.
- Thoroughly clean all surgical instruments that come in contact with blood. Disinfect instruments between uses. Store needles and tubing in a disinfectant solution.
- Test all cattle entering the herd for BLV, and isolate them for 30 to 60 days. Test again at the end of the isolation period.
- Implement annual testing for all animals. A 3-4 month testing interval is preferred, but may be impractical. Use A. I. for all breedings.
- Do not use colostrum or milk from BLV-positive cows for calf feeding.
- Do not use BLV-positive cows as recipients for embryo transfer. If a highly valuable donor tests positive, implant the embryo in BLV-negative cows, and test the offspring
- Remove extra teats, insert ear tags, and dehorn while calves are housed individually. Use bloodless dehorning methods.
- Clean feed and water containers regularly to reduce blood contamination.
- Perform all veterinary procedures on BLV-positive cows last. also milk all BLV-positive cows last.
© Copyright 2009 by Agri-Nutrition Consulting, Inc.
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