New Trichomoniasis Program Adopted in Texas for Beef Cattle

If you are a cattle producer but don’t know what Trichomoniasis (commonly called Trich) is, then you soon will. According to a recent Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) report, Texas has adopted a Trichomoniasis regulatory program. Beginning April 1, 2009, breeding bulls entering Texas from any other state must be either 24 months of age or younger and certified as a virgin, or be tested negative for cattle trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. The adoption of this program occurred February 24 by the Texas Animal Health Commission to address Trichomoniasis which is a venereal disease in cattle that causes infertility and abortions. Other effects of the disease include extended breeding seasons, reduced calf crops and ultimately loss of income to producers. A second phase of the program will go into effect January 1, 2010 and will address the in-state movement of Texas breeding bulls. Part of the reason for the new program is when breeding bulls are infected, they may continue to appear and act normally. The new regulations also have deemed Trich as a reportable disease in the state of Texas. According to Dr. Bob Hillman, TAHC executive director, "... this will give us more information on where and how much infection already is in the state". Why aren’t cows included in this program you might ask? The reason is if a cow is infected during breeding and loses a fetus she still has a chance to clear the disease. A majority of infected cows will clear the infection if they are given 120 to 150 days of sexual rest. A vaccine can also be administered to infected cows to help control the disease in the cow herd. For more details on this subject and to read the entire Texas Animal Health Commission report go online to http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/pr/2009/2009Feb_TrichomoniasisProgramAdopted.pdf