We performed a quantitative investigation of the transmission risk of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) by rectal palpation. We detected the BLV genome on sleeves used for rectal palpation in BLV-infected cattle and determined the proviral load. In cattle with high proviral load, the BLV genome was detected on the sleeves, regardless of the appearance of the hemorrhage during the examination. Our experiments demonstrated the risk of horizontal transmission by the common use of sleeves.
(Domestic Livestock Disease Identification Office, Agriculture and Livestock Industry Promotion Division, Shimane Prefecture Government, TEL +81-853-43-2455)
