Special Veterinary Pathology

BOVINE LEUKAEMIA

• Also known as “Bovine lymphoma”, “Malignant lymphoma of catle” and “Enzootic bovine lymphoma”, bovine leukaemia is caused by a C-type oncovirus called “Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV)”, first isolated in 1969.
• The virus affects B lymphocytes, leading to either persistent lymphocytosis, or generalized lymphoma.
• Infection is spread horizontally.
• Enzootic bovine lymphoma, a B-cell lymphoma of adult cattle caused by bovine leukaemia virus, usually involves the lymph nodes.
• Often lymphoma is restricted to mesenteric lymph nodes, pelvic nodes enlargement is another common finding.
• An alimentary form usually involves the wall of the abomasums and associated lymph nodes.
• Myocardial invasion, particularly of the right atrium is common, and can lead to signs of heart failure.
• Bovine leukaemia virus can cause generalized lymphoma is sheep and goats.