Use of a continuous feline cell line for virologic and serologic investigations of bovine leukemia virus infections.

Simple, practical, reproductible methods for the detection of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in peripheral blood leukocytes and BLV-neutralizing antibodies in bovine sera are described. Virus detection is based on syncytium formation in transformed feline (F-81) cells. The use of multiwell culture plates provides practical benefits in testing large numbers of samples. Results obtained in 2 farm herds show that the agreement of serologic and virologic test results may vary considerably from herd to herd.