What does EBL mean in VETERINARY

Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is an infectious disease of cattle caused by the Retrovirus virus, a type of RNA virus that causes immunodeficiency in animals.

Cows can contract EBL through contact with other infected animals or contaminated food and water sources. It can also be transmitted from mother to calf during gestation or birth.

Symptoms associated with EBL include weight loss, poor appetite, general listlessness, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes and decreased milk production.

The economic impact on dairy producers is substantial as cows infected with EBL produce less milk and require more veterinary care than healthy cows. Additionally, it may lead to culling and increased death losses among infected calves and adults respectively.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for EBL once a cow has been infected; however, preventive measures such as vaccination can help reduce its spread among herds. Additionally, herd monitoring programs help to detect early cases and aid in controlling outbreaks quickly before further losses are incurred.