Sexually transmitted cattle parasite discovered in Bennett County | News

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

Trichomonas fetuscolloquially known as “trich”, is a protozoan parasite that is transmitted during mating between cows and bulls. The parasite can cause premature births.

Signs of this include more open (non-pregnant) and late calving cows than expected. Producers are often not aware of the problem until the disease is already widespread in the herd, but they can take precautions to prevent infection in their herd.

• First, buy and use only virgin bulls for breeding. If non-virgin bulls are used, they should be tested for trichomoniasis before breeding. Bulls can also be tested two weeks after breeding to detect potential problems early.
• The risk of spread is also reduced if female animals are tested for pregnancy in a timely manner after the breeding season and the cows are transported promptly from the slaughterhouse for sale.
• Finally, herd owners should maintain good boundary fences to keep livestock in their respective pastures and avoid inadvertent mixing of herds.

Since 2005, the AIB, in cooperation with the cattle industry, has implemented the following rules to prevent trichosis in cattle:

• Non-virgin bulls must test negative for trichomoniasis before they can be sold, loaned, or leased for breeding purposes in South Dakota.
• Any non-virgin bull entering South Dakota must test negative for trichomoniasis.
• Non-virgin, non-pregnant female cattle (open cows) may not be imported, loaned, leased, or purchased 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. Neighbouring herd owners will be informed of the risk to their animals as the investigation progresses.

Cattle producers concerned about trichomoniasis should contact their herd veterinarian or the AIB at (605)-773-3321.

Related: