Bovine Leukosis

Bovine leukosis (BL), commonly referred to as bovine leukemia is an infectious disease of cattle caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). The disease is characterized by the development of an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells (lymphocytosis) in 30 to 70% of affected animals and by tumor formation (lymphosarcoma) in about 5% of animals.

BL is not a reportable disease in Canada; however, Canadian laboratories notify the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) annually of any BL-positive diagnoses.

Information we provide for the general public includes:

• Fact Sheet

Information we provide for producers and the livestock sector includes:

• Fact Sheet