Infectivity tests of secretions and excretions from cattle infected with bovine leukemia virus.

Secretions and excretions from cattle with persistent bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infections were tested for BLV by inoculation into sheep. Development of antibody to the BLV glycoprotein antigen and reisolation of virus from peripheral blood leukocytes were the two criteria used to confirm infection in test sheep. The virus was detected in milk from 4 of 6 cows examined and in colostrum from 1 of 4 cows examined. The virus was not detected in semen from 8 bulls or in nasal secretions, saliva, and urine from 2 cows.