Assessment of agronomy and animal science students' technical understanding of bovine enzootic leukosis

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the technical understanding of students enrolled in the Agronomic Engineering and Animal Science programs at the Catarinense Federal Institute (IFC) – Santa Rosa do Sul Campus regarding Bovine Enzootic Leukosis (BEL), a chronic, contagious, lymphoproliferative viral disease that affects animal health and the livestock economy. An anonymous online questionnaire was administered, including questions related to the etiology, transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and economic impact of BEL. Twenty-four individuals participated, including 21 undergraduate students, most of whom reported having an affinity with the livestock sector. The results indicated that, while more than half of the respondents had heard of the disease, a large portion reported limited or moderate knowledge on it. Confusion regarding the correct nomenclature of the disease was observed, and a high percentage (71.4%) mistakenly believed that BEL was a zoonosis. There was also a lack of awareness regarding the absence of an effective vaccine and the actual transmission routes, with persistent myths such as contagion through contaminated meat or airborne transmission. Nevertheless, most students demonstrated clinical discernment by recognizing that lymph node enlargement does not always indicate BEL, and were able to identify common symptoms such as lymphadenomegaly, tumors, and weight loss. Serology was cited as the main diagnostic test, although other incorrect answers were also reported. Regarding economic impacts, the commercialization of animals and reduced milk production were most frequently mentioned. It is concluded that relevant gaps exist in academic training on BEL, highlighting the need to more strongly emphasize animal health and public health topics in Agricultural Science curricula, promoting a more integrated approach, aligned with the One Health concept.