The mechanism of transfer is not well known,but the following possibilites are being researched :
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BIV has a broad cell tropism and causes a mild lymphoproliferative disorder with low viral titres and no reproducible disease sequelae. As a lentivirus it is able to integrate into the host genome and replicate within macrophages. It is associated with a long uncubation period. The mechanism of transfer is not well known,but the following possibilites are being researched :
* Transplacental
* Transplacental
* Transmammary
* Transmammary
* Vertical transfer through infected Semen (e.g. Artificial insemination)
* Vertical transfer through infected Semen (e.g. Artificial insemination)
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==Clinical Signs==
==Clinical Signs==
The virus was originally isolated in 1969 from an 8 year old Holstein cow in the US with lymphocytosis and lymphadenopathy.
The virus was originally isolated in 1969 from an 8 year old Holstein cow in the US with lymphocytosis and lymphadenopathy.