Transmission of bovine leukosis virus by blood inoculation

The experimental transmission of bovine leukosis virus (BLV)-infected whole blood was studied in 2 groups of Holstein calves. The 1st group of 4 BLV-seronegative calves was given 10 microliters of whole blood by either the IM, IV, subcutaneous, or intradermal routes. All 4 calves seroconverted to BLV within 8 weeks after they were inoculated. The 2nd group, also comprising 4 calves, was given the equivalent of 1 microliter of whole blood by the described routes. These calves seroconverted to BLV by 14 weeks after they were inoculated. The results indicated that small volumes of whole blood administered by 4 different routes were effective in the spread of BLV.