Department of Livestock

Bovine Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis in Montana

Disease Information

Additional Information

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 Trichomoniasis in Montana

Testing Requirements

An official trich test is required for all non-virgin bulls that are:

• Moving out of Big Horn, Glacier, Pondera or Yellowstone county*
• Sold, loaned or leased within Big Horn, Glacier, Pondera or Yellowstone counties
• From multiple sources going to a common pasture for breeding
• Imported into Montana

*Bulls moving out of these counties for change of pasture only may complete trich testing requirements after movement. Testing must be completed within 30 days.

ID Requirements

• Sep 1, 2011 – Aug 31, 2012 White
• Sep 1, 2012 – Aug 31, 2013 Orange
• Sep 1, 2013 – Aug 31, 2014 Blue
• Sep 1, 2014 – Aug 31, 2015 Yellow
• Sep 1, 2015 – Aug 31, 2016 Green
• Sep 1, 2016 – Aug 31, 2017 White

Background

 2013 Postive Trich Tests in Montana

2012 Postive Trich Tests in Montana

Disease Information

What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the parasitic protozoan, Tritrichomonas fetus. The disease is generally inapparent in bulls, but can cause serious reproductive problems in cows. Trich is economically devastating to affected producers due to repeat breeding, extended calving, early and occasional late-term abortion, and a high percentage of open cows at pregnancy check (20-50 percent or more). Economic losses to the U.S. beef industry from reduced conception rates, lower weaning weights and increased culling exceed $100 million annually. Trichomoniasis has worldwide distribution and is a major cause of infertility in naturally bred cattle in many countries.

Signs & Symptoms
Infected cows and heifers generally show virtually no outward signs of the disease. Cows generally clear the disease within a few weeks to a few months, but can become reinfected. Some cows may remain chronically infected and still be able to deliver a normal calf; this condition is rare but should be closely monitored, as such animals can be a source of infection to bulls. Infected bulls generally show no symptoms and suffer no adverse health effects, but the disease cannot be treated and bulls remain infected for their lifespan.

Diagnosis
The only way to confirm a trich infection is through testing at an AAVLD certified laboratory. Trich is diagnosed in bulls by testing a preputial scraping from suspect animals. Montana recognizes the following as official tests:

• Three negative weekly cultures
• Single PCR
• Pooled PCR (pooled testing is not accepted for positive herds or herds required to test because of an epidemiological investigation)

Treatment & Vaccination
The are no effective, FDA-approved treatments for trich, but the disease can be prevented or managed in the event of an established infection. A commercially available vaccine can help cows clear an infection, but does not prevent infection.

Prevention
Prevention of trichomoniasis can be achieved by following simple and inexpensive Best Management Practices combined with a herd management plan specific to your operation. A few tips for prevention include:

• Use only virgin bulls or bulls less than 4 years old that have been tested annually.
• Allow only virgin heifers or pairs onto common grazing pastures, or cows that have been away from the bull more than 120 days.
• Know the disease status and herd health programs of all herds mixing with yours.
• Define your breeding season; limit it to 60-90 days if possible.
• Use your veterinarian to determine reproductive health of your herd, especially by pregnancy checking females and testing all bulls for trich and other reproductive diseases. Work with your veterinarian to develop a reproductive herd health plan.
• Avoid purchasing open or short bred cows (less than 120 days) to mix with your herd.

Additional Information

• Video: "Testing for Tritrichomonas foetus"
• Bovine Trichomoniasis: Fact Sheet for Montana Cattle Producers 
• Virgin Bull Statement
• Licensed Feedlot Application

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Bovine trichomoniasis is a reportable disease within one business day to the State Veterinarian's office at 406/444-2043.