Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus

(BIV)

• Lentivirus (non-oncogenic)
• Causes a persistent viral infection and lymphocytosis
• Immunocompromised cattle may develop secondary infections
• The transmission is not well known, but the following possibilities are being researched:
  • Through milk
  • Through infected semen (e.g.artificial insemination)
  • Placental transfer
• Diagnosis:
  • Western Blot
  • PCR