A method to test large numbers of bovine semen samples for viral contamination and results of a study using this method.

A procedure to test large numbers of semen samples for viral contamination is described. The procedure has the advantages of being simple to perform, sensitive and a relatively inexpensive method to test pooled semen samples, but it has the disadvantage of requiring serologically negative calves and sheep, isolation facilities to prevent environmental contamination during the testing procedure and relatively long times to obtain results. Using this in vivo procedure called the "Cornell Semen Test", it was found that of 40,000 ejaculates tested during a four year period none contained Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus, Bovine Herpes Mammalitis Virus, Bovine Leukemia Virus nor Bluetongue Virus at infectious levels. The only virus that was found in a limited number of pools of semen was Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus. It is recommended that if large volumes of pooled semen are to be tested for viral contamination that this procedure be used.