Controlling Trich
Management and vaccination keep trichomoniasis at bay.
Trichomoniasis, commonly referred to as "Trich," is a growing problem among cow herds. Predominantly found in southern and western states, this disease is caused by the protozoa Tritrichomonas foetus. Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease transmitted at breeding and results in early embryonic death and abortion of the fetus. This can cause devastating economic setbacks for cattle producers.
"Often, the first sign of Trich is open cows or cows calving significantly late," says Joe Campbell, professional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI).
An infected bull transmits the disease to the cow at breeding; she then aborts the fetus early in pregnancy and ultimately comes into heat later in the breeding season. If she becomes pregnant late in the season, her resulting calf will be smaller than its peers. In some cases, the cow may not conceive again, and she will not deliver a calf that year.
While cows can clear the disease on their own, infected bulls are considered carriers for the remainder of their life.
Manage for prevention
Proper herd management is fundamental to preventing Trich from infecting the cow herd. Maintaining fences is an important step in herd management. Although no fence is cattle-proof, fences serve the purpose of keeping potentially infected animals away from a clean herd.
Reducing exposure to outside animals is another essential step in reducing the probability of Trich being introduced to a herd. Introduction can come in the form of stray animals or by purchasing outside cattle. When buying bulls, make sure the bull is a virgin bull or test non-virgin bulls for Trich prior to introducing them into the cow herd.
Trich is a disease with devastating economic effects on cattle producers. Fewer calves and late calves equate to fewer pounds of beef to sell. The culling of infected bulls and cows creates a gap in a producer's herd, and replacing those animals is expensive.
"Test all bulls and cull those that test positive, cull open and late-bred cows, avoid exposure to outside animals, and use the TrichGuard® vaccine in an effort to reduce the economic toll that Trich can take on your herd," Campbell advises.
Vaccination can play role
TrichGuard is the first vaccine on the market to help reduce losses due to trichomoniasis, BIVI reports. The vaccine can help reduce the risk of cattle becoming infected with Trich.
Cows and heifers receive two doses before breeding the first year of use. They are to be given two to four weeks apart, with the second vaccination given four weeks prior to breeding. In following years, cows need only one vaccination four weeks prior to breeding.
By decreasing the impact of Trich and increasing the percentage of cows bringing calves to term, vaccination can be a valuable addition to the cattle producer's management toolbox, Cambell says.
He recommends producers work with their local veterinarian to develop a plan to prevent trichomoniasis in the cow herd. Proper herd management practices and vaccination give producers the tools to help prevent and reduce losses due to trichomoniasis.
For more information, visit www.bi-vetmedica.com.
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