For Immediate Release
January 25, 2012
Steve Merritt
Public Information Officer
Montana Department of Livestock
406-444-9431
Local Vets, MDOL Set Trich Meeting In Lewistown
The Montana Department of Livestock, in cooperation with two Fergus County veterinarians, will hold an informational meeting on trichomoniasis at the Eagles Lodge in Lewistown, February 1 from 1-3 p.m.
Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, staff veterinarian for MDOL, said a cattle herd in Musselshell County that grazed in Fergus County recently tested positive for trichomoniasis, and has caused an increased local interest in the disease.
An investigation is being conducted to determine how and where the herd was exposed.
Dr. Greg Carlson of Horizon Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Richard Raths, both of Lewistown, requested the cooperative meeting to address concerns from the local livestock community.
Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle caused by a parasitic protozoan. The disease can be economically devastating to producers due to repeat breeding, extended calving, early and occasional late-term abortion, and a high percentage of open cows at pregnancy check. Economic losses to the U.S. beef industry from reduced conception rates, lower weaning weights and increased culling exceed $100 million annually.
