Implementation of a health plan for the control of bovine leukosis in a dairy farm in Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

Bovine leukosis is a disease whose causal agent, the bovine leukemia virus, mainly affects the immune system. Its control in dairy farms is crucial due to the lack of vaccine. The implementation of a sanitary plan for the control and eradication of infected animals is indispensable. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a sanitary control and surveillance plan adopted in a dairy farm in Cuenca, Ecuador between 2020 and 2024. Blood samples were collected from 123 animals of the Holstein Friesian breed during the indicated period, and the indirect ELISA test was used to identify seropositive animals. The initial herd prevalence was established at 19.29%. Sanitary measures to reduce the number of infected animals included identification and segregation of seropositive animals, elimination of infected females and their calves, as well as biosecurity measures, such as the use of gloves and individual needles. The entry of animals without a health certificate was prohibited, and the administration of colostrum from seronegative mothers to calves was promoted. The results indicated a reduction in the number of infected animals since the implementation of the program in 2022, with 2 seropositive animals in 2024. As for the sex of the animals that presented antibodies, 100% were females, while the age of the infected animals was between 8 and 13 years old and five between 2 and 4 years old.