At the 500-cow Carnation Farm in Carnation, Wash., Erich Studer, the director of veterinary medicine, has employees pasteurize all milk fed to calves. The pasteurization kills the leukosis virus in lymphocytes and prevents the transfer of the virus to the calves, he explains. Studies have shown that pasteurization becomes cost-effective when you feed 300 or more calves each year. Chances are, they're using the same needle on several cows. Prevent Transmission in Cows M anagement practices also affect disease transmission in the cow herd.
Chances are, they're using the same needle on several cows.
M anagement practices can make or break disease control in the dairy industry today, say Studer. For example, at Carnation Farm, the first four years of testing and management control practices resulted in a decline in herd prevalence from 23 percent to 11.8 percent. Now, Studer tests all animals for BLV before purchase. Cold sterilize calf delivery equipment by pouring rubbing alcohol or nolvasan on it before each use. Use artificial insemination for all breedings.