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 Semen (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
  • Marie-Claude St-Louis, Mihaela Cojocariu and Denis Archambault (2004). The molecular biology of bovine immunodeficiency virus: a comparison with other lentiviruses. Animal Health Research Reviews 5, pp 125-143