DairyCo

Canadian colostrum substitute: Farmers warned about risk of positive Enzootic Bovine Leukosis blood test results

Published 27 January 10

Farmers are urged to pay careful attention to the type of colostrum substitute they are using following a report that the use of a colostrum substitute imported from a manufacturer in Canada has resulted in a number calves testing positive for antibodies to Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL).

Defra investigations have not identified any direct animal health risk associated with use of this product in calves, however, any positive result to a test for EBL triggers disease control restrictions and investigations under the relevant legislation.

For more information please visit the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/ebl/colostrum.htm