Species: Bovine

Specimen: 10mL serum

Container: Red top or gel tube

Collection protocol: Venepuncture

Special handling/shipping requirements: Standard

General information about the disease:

Enzootic bovine leucosis is a rare viral disease of cattle capable of inducing neoplasia. It is transmitted horizontally via body fluids and vertically from dam to calf via infected milk. Less than 3% of infected animals develop neoplasia, with a peak incidence at 6-8 years of age. Affected animals may develop lymphoma in almost any internal organ, and superficial lymph nodes and the retrobulbar region may be affected. The ELISA tests for the presence of antibody to the virus. Either individual or pooled samples (n=10) can be tested. This disease is virtually eradicated in the national dairy herd but the status of the beef herd is unknown.

General information about when this test is indicated:

Health screening for sale or stock movement. Also used in cases of lymphoid neoplasia to exclude viral involvement.

Comparison with other related tests:

A suite of tests to confirm the disease status of any suspicious or positive results are held by government contracted laboratories.