The eradication of enzootic bovine leukosis in parts of eastern Slovakia

In this paper we review 12 year gradual elimination and eradication of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) in the five areas of eastern Slovakia: Kosice-district, Trebisov, Roznava, Spisska Nova Ves, and Poprad. Between 1983 and 1995 1.959.815 serological analyses concerning bovine leukemia virus (BLV) using the agar-gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT) were carried out in these parts of eastern Slovakia. During the 12 years enzootic bovine leucosis was most prevalent in the areas of Trebisov and Kosice-district (12.8 % and 8.5 % positive cases, respectively). By the end of the elimination period, when treatment procedures were discontinued, Kosice district had 0.34 %, Trebisov 0.06 %, Spisska Nova Ves 0.02 % and Roznava as well as Poprad no seropositive animals. In these areas of eastern Slovakia, cattle livestock is close getting free of enzootic bovine leucosis.