Experimental infection of sheep with bovine leukemia virus (BLV).

Abstract

Nine groups of sheep have been experimentally infected with different doses of BLV and by various routes. An immunological response of animals, as well as clinical symptoms of leukosis in the experimental sheep were investigated within several years or months. The animals inoculated with the virus showed appearance of BLV-antibodies in 94 per cent of cases, lymphocytosis in 47 per cent and clinical symptoms of the disease in 33 per cent. In conclusion, sheep have been demonstrated to be animals suitable for experimental study of leukosis.