Sexually Transmitted Bovine Parasite Found in Bennett County | News

PIERRE, SD – A bull from a Bennett County cattle herd has tested positive for bovine trichomonas.

Trichomonas fetuspopularly known as “trich”, is a protozoan parasite that is transmitted between cows and bulls during breeding. The parasite can cause premature abortions.

Signs include more open (non-pregnant) and late calving cows than expected. Producers are often unaware of the problem until the disease is well established in the herd, but can take precautions to prevent their herd from becoming infected.

• First, purchase and use only virgin bulls for breeding. If non-virgin bulls are used, they should be tested for trich before breeding. Bulls can also be tested two weeks after breeding for early detection of potential problems.
• Performing pregnancy testing on females in a timely manner after the breeding season and promptly removing open cows for sale for feed and slaughter will also reduce the risk of spread.
• Finally, herd owners must ensure that there are adequate fences along the boundaries to keep livestock within their own pastures and to prevent unintended mixing of herds.

Since 2005, the AIB, in collaboration with the cattle sector, continues to implement the following rules to help prevent trich in cattle:

• Non-virgin bulls must test negative for trich before being sold, loaned, or leased for breeding purposes in South Dakota.
• Any non-virgin bull entering South Dakota must test negative for trichomonas.
• Non-virgin, non-pregnant female cattle (open cows) may not be imported, loaned, leased, or acquired for breeding purposes in South Dakota.

The Animal Industry Board (AIB) is working with herd owners and their veterinarians to develop a management plan to contain the disease. Adjacent herd owners are being informed of the risk to their animals while the investigation continues.

Farmers concerned about trichomonas should contact their veterinarian or the AIB at (605)-773-3321.

Related: