July 2020

ABSTRACT:

The objective of this study was to determine the utility of single-use hypodermic needles and reproductive examination sleeves in reducing the transmission of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in dairy herds. Numerous epidemiological studies have identified re-use of needles and exam sleeves as significant risk factors for BLV, therefore adopting a practice of single-use needles and sleeves is a commonly suggested management change for reducing BLV transmission. We conducted a field trial on 3 midwestern commercial dairy herds that had not been employing single use of needles or sleeves as part of their herd health protocol. Additionally, each of the herds had a BLV prevalence among adult cows of at least 20%. BLV milk-ELISA negative cows were randomly assigned to always receive a new single-use needle and new exam sleeve (intervention group). We also monitored and tested BLV milk-ELISA negative cows that received the standard management practice of needles and sleeves that were shared with ELISA-positive herd mates (controls). Cumulative incidence of new infections was determined by semiannual BLV milk-ELISA testing. The cumulative incidence of new BLV infections was not statistically different between the 2 groups. Medical hygiene to prevent bloodborne transmission is still recommended, but in these 3 herds, re-use of needles and sleeves did not appear to be a major route of BLV transmission.

Vickie J. Ruggiero
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
Paul C. Bartlett
    Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol53no2p128-133