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Peer-reviewedCC BYFrontiers in veterinary science

Bovine leukemia virus and dairy youngstock: a narrative review of early-life transmission and its consequences for whole-herd control.

  • Madison E Sokacz1
  • Bo Norby2
  • Kelly R B Sporer3
  • Daniel D Buskirk1
  • Tasia M Taxis1
  1. 1Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
  2. 2Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
  3. 3Cornerstone Ag Management, LLC, Hastings, MI, United States.
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Abstract

Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that causes a lifelong infection in cattle through the integration of proviral DNA into the host genome, creating immune dysfunction. Youngstock, females born and raised on dairy farms with the purpose of entering the milking herd, are exposed to BLV through both vertical and horizontal transmission risks. As youngstock progress through distinct management development periods (fetal and neonatal, preweaning, and post-weaning), each presents unique exposure risks that require different management strategies to aid in the mitigation of BLV. The failure to address BLV infection in youngstock allows infected replacement animals to enter the milking herd, undermining any mature cow-focused control strategies. The economic impacts may also be compounded by reduced return on investment in youngstock. Targeted interventions during the youngstock periods, informed by diagnostic screening for BLV and improved management strategies, are essential to disrupt the cycle of infected youngstock entering the milking herd. Incorporating BLV control measures with the entire herd offers a more sustainable approach to reducing BLV prevalence and limiting its long-term effects on animal health and profitability.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{sokacz2026bovine,
  title = {{Bovine leukemia virus and dairy youngstock: a narrative review of early-life transmission and its consequences for whole-herd control.}},
  author = {Madison E Sokacz and Bo Norby and Kelly R B Sporer and Daniel D Buskirk and Tasia M Taxis},
  journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3389/fvets.2026.1911190},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42996873},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Bovine leukemia virus and dairy youngstock: a narrative review of early-life transmission and its consequences for whole-herd control.
AU  - Madison E Sokacz
AU  - Bo Norby
AU  - Kelly R B Sporer
AU  - Daniel D Buskirk
AU  - Tasia M Taxis
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/23
JO  - Frontiers in veterinary science
DO  - 10.3389/fvets.2026.1911190
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42996873
AB  - Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that causes a lifelong infection in cattle through the integration of proviral DNA into the host genome, creating immune dysfunction. Youngstock, females born and raised on dairy farms with the purpose of entering the milking herd, are exposed to BLV through both vertical and horizontal transmission risks. As youngstock progress through distinct management development periods (fetal and neonatal, preweaning, and post-weaning), each presents unique exposure risks that require different management strategies to aid in the mitigation of BLV. The failure to address BLV infection in youngstock allows infected replacement animals to enter the milking herd, undermining any mature cow-focused control strategies. The economic impacts may also be compounded by reduced return on investment in youngstock. Targeted interventions during the youngstock periods, informed by diagnostic screening for BLV and improved management strategies, are essential to disrupt the cycle of infected youngstock entering the milking herd. Incorporating BLV control measures with the entire herd offers a more sustainable approach to reducing BLV prevalence and limiting its long-term effects on animal health and profitability.
SN  - 2297-1769
ER  -