Bovine papillomavirus, also called BPV, is a group of DNA virus that affects most cattle. It is a very common disease, accounting to 50% of UK cattle to develop lesions. The duration of infection varies largely, some last for up to a few weeks and others linger on to more than a year. In addition, recurrence of BPV is possible.

Treatment of BPV infection is not required since most warts eventually regress on its own. In addition, surgical removal often leads to recurrence.

Infection of BPV causes warts on the skin and alimentary tract. It sometimes develop into cancer of the urinary bladder and the alimentary tract. The bovine papillomavirus could also cause skin tumor equine sarcoid in donkeys and horses. Animals under 2 years old develop cutaneous warts. Warts can become as large as a fist on the shoulders, head, neck and other locations on the animal’s body. Some warts could bleed and cause secondary infections and mastitis. These severe warts could interfere with milking and suckling.

The BPV can cause a multiple of conditions on animals including cancer.