Bovine Trichomoniasis Epidemiology
The incidence and distribution in Montana and elsewhere, along with the information regarding the spread of the disease.
How Bovine Trichomoniasis spreads:
Bovine Trichomoniasis is caused by, Tritrichomonas foetus: a flagellated protozoan parasite transmitted from infected, asymptomatic bulls to heifers or cows at the time of coitus.
Bulls over 4 years of age are the main reservoir of infection in a herd. T. foetus is rarely transmitted by artificial insemination of cattle if appropriate procedures for bull testing and hygiene are practiced.
Older bulls tend to become permanent carriers of T. foetus, perhaps as a result of the development of epithelial crypts in the preputial cavity of older bulls. The parasite transmission rate from male to female at breeding may be as great as 42%.
Distribution:
Trichomoniasis has a worldwide distribution and is a major cause of infertility in naturally bred cattle in many countries. The incidence in the United States is obscure because of the non-reportable status of the disease.
