Temporal patterns of bovine leukemia virus infection in dairy herds in Atlantic Canada

The primary objective was to determine the youngest age group where bovine leukemia virus (BLV)-infected dairy animals were identified. The secondary objective was to investigate associations between age-specific management practices and BLV infection status of different age groups of dairy calves and heifers.

For enrolled herds, BLV status was determined using blood samples from pre-weaned calves, weaned calves, and breeding-age heifers; and bulk tank milk from the adult herd. A questionnaire investigating age-specific management factors was administered for each herd. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify management factors associated with the youngest age range in which BLV was identified.

Fifty-three dairy herds from the 4 provinces in Atlantic Canada were enrolled. Bovine leukemia virus was most commonly earliest identified in pre-weaned heifers (18 herds, 32.1%) and the adult herd (18 herds, 32.1%). Ordinal logistic regression revealed that BLV was first identified in older age groups more often than in younger age groups when herds regrouped weaned heifers at least once, when fly control was used for breeding-age heifers, when herds practiced foot trimming on breeding-age heifers, and when bred heifers were brought in.

Producers can use results to identify the youngest age group(s) in which BLV is identified and to tailor management strategies to prevent new infections.