Trichomoniasis, commonly referred to as “Trich,” is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease in cattle, resulting in abortions and infertility. It is caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus. In the cow, the organism colonizes the vagina and uterus. In bulls, the organism colonizes or lives in microscopic folds, or crypts, on the skin of the penis and prepuce. As a bull ages, conditions on the surface of the sex organs are more conducive for these protozoa to survive and multiply.
Infected bulls and cows usually look and act normal. The only way to confirm Trichomoniasis infection is by testing. Typically, cattle producers become aware of a problem when cows are pregnancy checked and there are too many open cows, a prolonged calving period, or noticeably reduced calf crop.
Trich can lead to extended calving intervals, early fetal death, and infertility. Bulls carry the parasite and spread it during breeding. Infected bulls usually show no symptoms.
The most effective way to control Trichomoniasis is to prevent the introduction of the organism into a herd. This control method is primarily accomplished through testing all new bulls prior to entry into the herd and preventing unwanted bulls from entering through damaged fence lines. Keeping young bulls rather than older ones and testing all bulls prior to each breeding season are also important tools. Establishing a defined breeding season and early pregnancy diagnosis will help in detection of reproductive losses caused by Trichomoniasis and other reproductive diseases. As with most infectious diseases, a good biosecurity plan is critical to preventing introduction and/or controlling the organism within a herd.
According to the USDA website, in the United States, most cases are diagnosed in beef herds. This is because most U.S. beef producers use natural breeding to produce their annual calf crop. Fewer cases are seen in dairy cattle because the dairy industry mainly uses artificial insemination. However, both beef and dairy cattle are susceptible.
A vaccine for Trichomoniasis is available and labeled for use in controlling the disease in cows. The vaccine will reduce the reproductive losses associated with the disease and may reduce time to clear the infection. However, in most herds, managing the risk factors for Trichomoniasis through biosecurity is more effective than vaccination. Currently, the vaccine is not labeled for use in bulls.
The USDA website states: While there are no Federal regulations specific to curbing the spread of trichomoniasis in the U.S. cattle population, many states have trichomoniasis testing and other requirements for cattle moving interstate. This helps limit disease spread between states. Check with the State animal health official of the destination State for requirements if you need to move cattle between States.
In areas where trich is prevalent, it is recommended that all herd bulls have an annual test for this disease as part of a breeding soundness exam, 60-75 days before turn-out. This will allow early identification of the disease if the bulls were exposed to an infected cow or heifer during the last breeding season. It is also good practice to test any bulls that commingle with cattle of an unknown trich status, such as if a fence was breached, between the time of initial testing and turn-out.
Currently there is no effective treatment for trich in cattle. It is controlled by testing, detecting and removing infected cattle from the herd. Herd management starts by keeping potentially infected cattle separate from noninfected cattle and by testing every new herd addition before allowing the bull to be turned out. Your veterinarian should be a part of your test protocols for herd entry testing and herd culling to protect against trichomoniasis. Producers are encouraged to work with their veterinarian to develop appropriate biosecurity practices for controlling Trichomoniasis and other reproductive diseases in their herds.
