Bovine Leukemias, pronounced /bəʊˈvaɪn luːˈkiːmiəs/, are a group of viral diseases that affect cattle. The word "bovine" refers to cattle, while "leukemias" is the plural form of leukemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. The pronunciation of "bovine" starts with the vowel sound /əʊ/, followed by the consonant sound /v/, then the vowel sound /aɪ/ and finally the consonant sound /n/. Meanwhile, "leukemias" begins with the consonant sound /l/, followed by the diphthong /uː/, the consonant sound /k/, another diphthong /iː/, the consonant sound /m/, the diphthong /i/ and the consonant sound /z/.
Bovine leukemias are a group of cancerous diseases that primarily affect cattle and are caused by infection with bovine leukemia virus (BLV). This virus belongs to the family Retroviridae and is classified as a member of the Deltaretrovirus genus. Bovine leukemias are characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of white blood cells, mainly lymphocytes, which leads to the formation of tumors in various organs and tissues of the infected animal.
The disease can be classified into two forms: enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) and sporadic bovine leukosis (SBL). EBL is the most common form and is usually chronic, leading to the persistence of infected lymphocytes in the bloodstream. This form of the disease is often asymptomatic or presents mild clinical signs such as weight loss, reduced milk production, and enlarged lymph nodes. SBL, on the other hand, is less frequent and progresses more rapidly, causing severe clinical symptoms and noticeable tumor growth.
Bovine leukemias are mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, particularly through transfer of infected blood or other bodily fluids. The virus can also be spread through contaminated needles or other equipment used for veterinary procedures, as well as from an infected cow to its offspring during calving or through the feeding of colostrum or raw milk.
Prevention and control of bovine leukemias primarily involve the implementation of strict biosecurity measures to reduce transmission of the virus. Although no specific treatment is currently available, management strategies focus on culling infected animals, practicing proper hygiene and disinfection practices, and breeding for resistance to the disease.
The word "bovine" is derived from the Latin word "bos" meaning "ox" or "cow". "Leukemia" originates from the Greek words "leukos" meaning "white" and "haima" meaning "blood". Therefore, "bovine leukemias" refers to leukemias that affect cattle.