Report Enzootic Bovine Leucosis
Report unusual disease signs, abnormal behaviour or unexplained deaths in livestock and other animals. Ring the 24 hour EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.
Enzootic bovine leucosis (cattle) (EBL) is caused by bovine leukaemia virus, a retrovirus which infects white blood cells and persists for the life of the animal. A national program successfully eradicated enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) from the Australian dairy herd in 2012, but beef cattle may remain infected at a low level.
Disease information
What does Enzootic bovine leucosis in cattle look like?
Approximately only 1 in 20 infected animals show any evidence of the disease. Signs include:
- Reduced appetite.
- Weakness and debilitation.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Other signs can vary depending on what body systems are affected.
Disease is most commonly seen in adult cattle, however it occasionally occurs in animals as young as two years of age.
What should I do if I suspect Enzootic bovine leucosis in cattle?
If you suspect Enzootic Bovine Leucosis you must notify either Local Land Services (1300 795 299) or the Department of Primary Industries (animal.biosecurity@dpird.nsw.gov.au) within one working day.
A veterinarian can investigate suspect cases of EBL and provide advice on management specific to your property.
Remember, you have a biosecurity duty to prevent the spread of diseases, such as EBL, from your animal to anybody else’s animals.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on confirmation of both lymphoma and bovine leukaemia virus infection. Confirmation of lymphoma alone does not confirm EBL, since cattle may also be affected by sporadic forms of lymphoma, not associated with bovine leukaemia virus.
EBL antibodies may be detected in clotted blood (red top tube) or preserved milk.
Further information around available diagnostic tests and laboratory submission forms can be found here.
How is it spread?
The virus can be transmitted from infected cows to their unborn calves, but it is usually spread between animals by tiny amounts of blood during routine activities like vaccination, castration, ear tagging, dehorning, rectal examination or natural mating.
Does Enzootic bovine leucosis affect people?
EBL is not a zoonotic disease and does not infect humans.
Other key information and resources
Prevention and management
The Biosecurity Act 2015 requires everyone to take reasonable and practical steps to prevent, eliminate or minimise the impact of biosecurity risks. This is your general biosecurity duty.
The general biosecurity duty allows flexible, risk-based decision-making in the management of biosecurity risks such as EBL.
Some examples of ways you can fulfil your general biosecurity duty include:
- implementing a property biosecurity plan
- requesting a National Health Statement when purchasing or agisting livestock
- only introducing beef breed animals that have tested negative for EBL into a dairy herd, and
- sterilizing equipment after use on beef cattle and before use on dairy cattle.
Reporting animal biosecurity emergencies
Some animal pests and diseases, or residues in animal products or stock feed can have serious consequences for trade, production or human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect a significant animal pest, disease, or residue you may be able to prevent these consequences. Don’t delay! Contact Local Land Services or ring the 24 hour hotline: