Preventing disease transmission through the transfer of in-vivo-derived bovine embryos

Investigation and experience have demonstrated that movement of in-vivo-der ived bovine embryos can be accomplished while effectively limiting spread o f infectious disease between populations of cattle. Experimental and theore tical justifications of current strategies for production of specific-patho gen-free, in-vivo-derived embryos are reviewed. Hazards of spreading bovine viral diarrhea virus via in-vivo-derived embryos are dealt with specifical ly. It is concluded that established sanitary procedures for producing path ogen-free, in-vivo-derived embryos are efficacious if the ethical and techn ical excellence of those performing the procedures can be assured. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.