Neue Wege zur effektiveren Tierseuchenbekämpfung durch Bündelung der Diagnostik am Beispiel der enzootischen Rinderleukose (ERL)

In spite of the further development and qualitative improvement of the diagnostic systems for detection of antibodies against the bovine leukosis virus (BLV) in blood serum and/or milk the eradication of EBL in Germany has not been realized so far. As there are diagnostic gaps in the test and control management that has been established for years, infected bovines may excrete the infectious agent undetected for a long period of time, thus causing further infections. To permit the detection and selection of reagents independently of age and gender a modified and extended diagnostic regime including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of BLV provirus was tested in a cattle holding, where an outbreak of leukosis calling for control measures had been confirmed by the authorities. Based on the results of these investigations and under consideration of the present epidemic situation of BLV infection it is proposed to establish a more effective BLV control program at the federal level based on this extended diagnostic and control regime