In the last decade BLAD has become a disease of economic importance in the dairy industry. As such, this overview describes the chronological developments and thinking that led to the elucidation of BLAD as a distinct disease entity from previous models in canine and human populations. All species affected exhibit symptoms of chronic and recurrent infections. Dermatomycoses and impaired pus formation are also common findings. The inhibition of diapedesis in the inflammatory response prevents normal immune reactions to invading pathogens.
Chronic infections are a consequence of the faulty immune mechanisms.
The biochemical etiology of BLAD involves cell surface glycoprotein molecules known as integrins. These are responsible for cell-cell interactions necessary for neutrophils to adhere to vascular endothelium in a normal individual. Through pedigree analysis and biochemical detection with restrictive endonucleases BLAD has been isolated genetically to a single gene locus. The economic significance and prophylaxis are briefly discussed. In addition, the beneficial aspects of the study of BLAD are addressed.