Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus
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Description
Bovine Imunodeficiency Virus (BIV) is a Lentivirus (non-oncogenic) which causes a persistent viral infection in cattle worldwide. It was first isolated in 1969 from a cow with a wasting syndrome.
Pathogenesis
The mechanism of transfer is not well known,but the following possibilites are being researched :
- Transplacental
- Transmammary
- Vertical transfer through infected Semenn (e.g. Artificial insemination)
Clinical Signs
Bovine immunodeficiency Virus is not associated with a specific disease in cattle but has been associated with the folowing signs:
- Decreased milk yield
- clinical immunodeficiency
- encephalitis
- bovine paraplegic syndrome
- skin infections
- emaciation
Diagnosis
- Western Blot
- PCR
Treatment and Control
The Incidence of Bovine immunodeficiency virus appears to be low (1%) although can reach >15 % in some herds
References
- Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
- Quinn, P.J., Markey, B.K., Carter, M.E., Donnelly, W.J., Leonard, F.C. (2007) Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease Blackwell Publishing