Epizootic situation of bovine leukemia virus infection in certain areas of the Altai Region

Abstract

The findings of epizootological monitoring of cattle for the infection caused by the leukemia virus are discussed. The disease is widespread in certain municipal districts of the Altai Region where Black-Pied Holsteinized cattle are bred. The infection rate in the core dairy herd reaches 50% or more according to the research conducted in 2024. The current situation prevents the welfare of livestock regarding the infection in the agricultural enterprises of all types of ownership including private household farms. Under the current epizootic situation in the Altai Region, a source of the virus infection remains preventing the Region from ensuring its welfare which could contribute to the greater competitiveness of milk (raw material) from healthy animals. The research goal was to formalize the results obtained from diagnostic testing of cattle of all age groups using informative diagnostic methods for leukemia virus infection. The research targets were the herds comparable in terms of breeds, age and management practices. Laboratory tests were conducted by certified specialists in laboratories accredited for these indices. The results revealed that the epizootic situation for leukemia infection in certain municipal districts varied ranging from 0% to 50% and even higher in some herds. This prevents the Region from being classified as free of infection according to regionalization criteria. Preventive vaccinations for this infection are not planned or administered due to the lack of preventative agents.