Oklahoma Bovine Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis-The Disease

Bovine Trichomoniasis (Trick o moan eye a sis) is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foe-tus, which is about the size of a sperm cell.  Infected bulls carry the protozoan on their penis and prepuce.  As the bull ages the conditions on the surface of the organs become more favorable for the disease allowing the organism to survive and multiply.

Trichomoniasis, or "Trich", is transmitted to cows through breeding.  Cows may abort early in the pregnancy and become temporarily infertile.  Cattle producers can lose valuable income from the resulting extended breeding season and diminished calf crop.  In a herd with a compact breeding season decreases in calving percentages can reach 50%.

You can't tell by looking!  Infected breeding bulls continue to appear and act normally.  Only testing will confirm the presence or absence of the disease causing protozoa.  Once infected, bulls remain infected and capable of spreading infection.  No approved treatment or vaccine exists for bulls.

On the other hand, the majority of infected cows will clear the infection if given 120-150 days (4-5 months) of sexual rest.  A vaccine can also be administered to cows to help prevent the disease.  There is evidence that a very small percentage of cows may carry the infection through a gestation or a dry period and reinfect virgin bulls the next breeding season.

Producers with infected herds should work with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate measures to eliminate the disease from their cow herds.

More information can be obtained from you veterinarian, OSU College of Vet Med, OSU Extension Service, and the OK Dept of Ag, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF).

***Bulls entering Oklahoma from any state must be 24 months of age or younger and certified as a virgin (a virgin bull is one that has not been commingled with female cattle since puberty)  OR be tested negative for bovine Trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry.  Non virgin, untested breeding bulls may enter Oklahoma to go directly to slaughter ONLY.