(BLAD) is a lethal autosomal recessive disease of Holstein-Friesian cattle. Affected calves suffer from frequent infections, which either fail to respond to, or recur, after conventional treatment. They normally die before reaching sexual maturity. The cause of the immunodeficiency is a point mutation in the bovine CD18 gene.

To detect normal and defective CD18 allele we have developed a DNA test based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digestion. This test has been used to identify affected (BLAD) and normal (z) animals as well as heterozygous carriers (h).

Molecular diagnostics of BLAD has been applied to exclude heterozygous carriers from breeding program.

CONTACT: Jelena Popovic, MSc

TEL: ++ 381 11 3976 212

FAX: ++ 381 11 3975 808

e-mail: jpopovic@imgge.bg.ac.rs