The eradication of enzootic bovine leucosis in a large farm population

In the years 1992 to 2002 the ID and ELISA systemic serological examinations of infected cows from a large farm brought advantageous results. A total of 468 cows from three farms from Opole province were examined. In the years 1997 to 2002 there were four times more positive serological results obtained than in the years 1992 to 1996. The elimination of BLV infected animals from farms and watering of serologically negative calves with milk substitute feed were very useful methods. In the year 2002 the control of all cattle gave negative ELISA results based on anti-gp51 monoclonal antibodies. The farm demonstrated BLV-free status after 10 years as a result of regular laboratory testing and successful elimination of all positive animals.