11/10/2025
Before adding Miniature Jersey Dairy cows to our homestead we researched for 2 years. We never took our decision lightly, we knew since we were consuming raw milk and dairy products that starting with clean and disease tested cows was paramount. High quality raw milk isn’t by accident. We have and will continue to test all of our animals yearly for not only BLV but also BVD and Johnes
Posted from another group
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This message is being shared with all U.S. cattle associations before public publication, giving your organization the opportunity to be the first to take a public stance on BLV awareness and producer education.
Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is quietly spreading within the U.S. cattle industry—and it’s already embedded in both dairy and beef herds across the country.
The virus affects around 90% of dairy herds and 40% of beef herds, though experts agree these numbers are deeply underestimated.
BLV is a retrovirus that attacks white blood cells—a cousin to human HIV—that weakens a cow’s immune system and fertility.
There are even numerous studies that have found BLV in Human Breast Cancer tissue.
The only time most producers see BLV is when it has already progressed too far—much like HIV progressing to AIDS in humans—and by that point, it has usually spread throughout the herd.
It spreads through blood—during dehorning, vaccinations, AI, tagging, reusing palpation sleeves, biting flies, etc.—and from cow to calf during pregnancy or through milk and colostrum.
Many producers assume they’ve “never seen BLV” in their herds, yet the virus often hides behind vague problems such as:
weakened immunity
repeat mastitis or high somatic cell counts
reproductive losses and shorter herd life
reduced weight gain and feed efficiency
The truth is, you’ve probably seen BLV—just not recognized it, or your veterinarian told you not to worry about it.
It’s even being found in closed, reputable herds. If a herd isn’t testing for BLV, it’s very likely spreading it—and spreading it to other herds through cattle sales, AI, semen collection, or even IVF.
Through my AI and herd reproduction services, I’ve personally encountered BLV-positive cattle across multiple breeds — including beef, dairy, and show herds — from different states and management systems.This virus doesn’t discriminate by breed, region, or reputation. It moves quietly and consistently, often long before symptoms ever appear. Testing costs around $6.50, yet very few producers—or even veterinarians—are aware of the new studies, the growing concerns, and just how prevalent and impactful BLV truly is.
The attached BLV Awareness Report compiles findings from 60+ peer-reviewed studies, presenting the most current data on transmission, prevalence, and economic impact. This pre-release is being sent to cattle associations before the report is made public, giving your organization the chance to be the first to lead on transparency and herd health. You are welcome to distribute or reference this report in any way that supports producer education and herd-health outreach.
In addition to this report, I am also conducting on-farm research focused on breeding for natural BLV resistance—an effort aimed at supporting long-term solutions that combine genetics, management, and education. We’ve also partnered with key BLV researchers who are leading national awareness and eradication efforts, ensuring that this initiative continues to grow through shared data, collaboration, and outreach.
No mandates. No agenda. Just science—so your members can make informed, proactive choices to protect their herds, their businesses, their livelihoods, and the integrity of the industry.
Thank you for your time and for your continued dedication to the cattle community.
Thank you,
Wild & Free Homestead
Air Force Wounded Warrior | Dexter Cattle Breeder | BLV Awareness Advocate
AI-Certified Technician & Herd Reproduction Specialist
“Don’t forget to turn back around to help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind.”
— Tim McGraw to a
