For Immediate Release
April 24, 2012
Steve Merritt
Public Information Officer
Montana Department of Livestock
406-444-9431
MDOL To Update Chinook-Area Producers on Trich Investigation
The Montana Department of Livestock will update local livestock producers on its ongoing trichomoniasis investigation at a 4.m. meeting Friday (April 27) at Bear Paw Livestock in Chinook. The meeting was requested by local producers following a similar meeting in Roy last week.
Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, staff veterinarian for MDOL, said multiple herds in Fergus and other counties south of Blaine County have tested positive for trichomoniasis. MDOL, local veterinarians and local producers are working together to quickly eradicate the disease in the area.
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. For additional information on trichomoniasis or the department's new trich rules, please see the department's web site at liv.mt.gov.
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