Trichomoniasis is a reproductive disease in cattle caused by a protozoan parasite that results in early pregnancy loss. It is passed from bull to female during breeding and infected bulls show no symptoms.
“Trichomoniasis is in Missouri and producers need to be alert and watch for new rules and regulations meant to control it,” said Dona Goede, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
On March 1, 2010, Missouri began a negative test requirement for bulls over 24 months of age that are coming in to Missouri. Intrastate movement of bulls is not being impacted, but that may change soon.
“Many states have already put in place rules regarding change of ownership for breeding bulls. Effective January 1, 2011, Oklahoma put strict rules on breeding bulls that requires a trichomoniasis test on any bull that isn’t a virgin bull before it can be sold to be used for breeding,” said Dona.
Oklahoma’s new regulations apply to private sale, public sale, lease, trade or barter. The only exceptions are bulls going to slaughter and bulls that can be certified as virgin bulls and are 24 months of age or younger.
“South Dakota put restrictions on females too. Non-virgin, non-pregnant female cattle may not be imported, loaned or leased or acquired for breeding in South Dakota,” said Dona.
State veterinarians are taking this disease very seriously and so should producers, as infected herds can have a 50 percent decrease in their calf crop which really hurts profits.
“Producers need to be following the example of other states by getting bulls tested before they are brought onto their farm. This disease is one that needs to be prevented, not treated once it is in a herd,” said Dona.
Dona Goede is a Livestock Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension in Stockton, Mo., in Cedar County.
