Cattle producers need to be aware that non-pregnant cows going through the breeding season and those that abort might potentially be infected with the reproductive disease trichomoniasis, Oklahoma State University Extension experts said.
Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan called Tritrichomonas foetus. Infection in cows and heifers used as cow replacements can lead to abortions, which normally occur in the first four months of pregnancy. The protozoan also can cause infertility in female cattle. Unlike some bovine diseases, bulls play a major role in trichomoniasis transmission. Older bulls are at greater risk than young bulls.
“Since infected bulls and cows look and act normal, trichomoniasis is not typically considered until cows that should be bred are found open when pregnancy checked or when cows that are with a bull year-round take over a year to calve,” said Dr. Barry Whitworth, OSU Extension veterinarian and food animal quality and health specialist.
In short, dollars lost to a cow-calf operator can be substantial by the time trichomoniasis is determined to be the cause behind a cattle enterprise’s reproductive challenges. Usually the organism in females will clear, but it takes about four to five months. A cow’s immunity is short-lived, and reinfection is possible in the next breeding season, Whitworth said. Sometimes the protozoan in a cow can linger and infect bulls.
Since no treatments are available, prevention is the key to keeping the disease out of a herd. Oklahoma trichomoniasis regulations focus on bulls.
Whitworth said producers should work closely with veterinarians certified to collect samples for the testing and to ensure they have good fencing to prevent contact with neighboring bulls.
Bulls entering Oklahoma from any state must be tested negative for trichomoniasis within 60 days of entry and be identified with an official identification device. Acceptable forms of identification are:
- A silver metal U.S. Department of Agriculture tag.
- A radio frequency identification tag with the 840 country code.
- Registration tattoo.
- Branding if accompanied by a copy of the registration papers.
Three negative culture tests at least one week apart or one negative polymerase chain reaction test – more widely known as a PCR test – meet state testing requirements. All bulls entering Oklahoma also must meet applicable tuberculosis and brucellosis entry requirements and the shipment must have a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
By Oklahoma law, any bull two years or older that changes ownership must test negative for trichomoniasis within 30 days of a move. Exceptions are:
- Bulls less than 18 months of age that can be certified as virgins.
- Bulls consigned directly to slaughter.
- Rodeo or bucking bulls taken to an event and then out of state with no change of ownership.