The occurrence of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) in Namibia--an epidemiological study.

A seroepidemiological survey for antibodies to bovine leukemia virus (BLV) (synonymous with bovine C-type and bovine leukosis virus) in cattle in Namibia was performed. A BLV glycoprotein antigen was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In 410 (12.3%) out of a total of 3,343 sera, bovine leukemia virus antibodies were detected. The infection rate per State Veterinary District (SVD), varied from 0% (Keetmanshoop) to 52.6% (East-Caprivi). Since persistent antibodies to BLV proteins are a constant and early feature of BLV infection, a serological survey of cattle populations is the best method for detection of BLV infection.