Detection of Bovine Leukemia Viruses (BLV) in Mammary Tissues of BLV Antibody-Positive Cows Affected by Subclinical Mastitis

Abstract

The mammary tissues of 6 cows with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) antibody and subclinical mastitis were investigated histopathologically, and their organ cultures were ultrastructurally observed. Numerous BLV particles, 110 to 120 nm in diameter, were seen around lymphocytes, which had infiltrated into mammary alveoli and showed blastogenesis under culture. Particles budding from the cell membrane were also found.