Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) could be lurking in your herd right now—and you wouldn’t even know it. This silent disease is already costing the cattle industry millions, especially in dairy herds. While it often flies under the radar, BLV can have a profound financial impact, leading to lost production, higher vet bills, and the need to replace affected animals. Even if your cattle look healthy, the virus could still spread, putting your operation at risk.
The financial impact of BLV extends beyond individual herds, casting a shadow over the entire cattle industry. A major slaughter plant in the Northeast, for instance, processes around 350,000 cattle a year, and about 2,000 carcasses are condemned due to this disease alone. While the dairy industry currently bears the brunt of these losses, beef herds are not immune. Indirect costs like restrictions on selling infected animals can silently erode your bottom line. When the virus is left unchecked, it becomes a long-term problem that’s challenging to manage.
Once BLV infiltrates your herd, eradicating it is no easy task. However, the key to controlling the disease lies in preventing its spread from cow to cow. Since it’s mainly transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, implementing good management practices—like cleaning equipment and using fresh needles—can make a significant difference. A robust herd health plan is your best defense against BLV, preventing it from becoming an important issue and saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
When it comes to managing cattle, you might not think of salt as a big deal—but it’s actually one of the most essential tools in a rancher’s toolkit. Like us, cattle need salt for crucial body functions, from digestion to muscle movement. Without enough salt, cattle can experience health issues affecting their growth and productivity, which is why salt management plays a crucial role in keeping herds healthy.
