The major advantages of this type of control program are that facilities do not have to be duplicated and genetically superior individuals are not lost to culling as a result of BLV status. A major disadvantage is the length of time required to observe favorable results or a drop in the prevalence of BLV-infected animals. Management costs may increase due to additional labor required to implement operational changes and the use of individual disposable needles and obstetric sleeves, disinfection of tattoo equipment and heat treatment of colostrum. The programs are designed to eradicate BLV infections in the herd and to certify the herd as BLV-free. Programs may vary, but essentially all animals six months of age or older are tested to determine the prevalence of BLV-infected animals so that a plan can be developed to eradicate the infection from the herd.
Some states require removal or segregation of infected cattle from non-infected cattle.
In such cases, the whole herd is tested every six months until the entire herd tests negative. The herd must be recertified annually by a repeated negative test of the entire herd. At present, Missouri does not have a statewide control program, but testing is available through the state veterinary laboratory. The costs of blood collection and laboratory testing are the responsibility of the herd owner. Other requirements of voluntary control programs include using individual disposable needles for all injections or testing procedures, disinfecting equipment between animals, and using individual obstetric sleeves.