Bovine leukosis is a very common enzootic infection in beef cattle, caused by the virus bovine leukemia virus, that can be transmitted between cattle by means of infected blood – mostly through infected needles, eartagging/tattoo equipment, dehorners, A.I. sleeves and some insects.

Control and even eradication of bovine leukosis, caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV), is possible in U.S. dairy herds dedicated to prioritizing diagnostic testing, acting on results and employing regular management practices that reduce the risk of transmission.