Bovine Trichomoniasis Found in South Dakota Beef Cattle Herd

Farm Journal logo

Two bulls in a South Dakota beef cattle herd have tested positive for bovine trichomoniasis, also known as trich, a disease that can be economically devastating to cattle producers.

The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB) announced on May 30 that the bulls had been detected in Oglala Lakota County after testing positive for the disease. Officials from AIB are working with the owner of the cattle and the local veterinarian to develop a management plan to control the disease. Neighboring cattle ranchers will also be notified so that potential contact with infected animals does not occur.

Trich is a protozoal parasite that is transmitted from cows and bulls during breeding. Bred females that contract Trichomonas foetus can result in early term abortions.

There are no physical signs of the disease. However, a cattle producer might become aware that they have trich when a high number of females are open (not pregnant) or late calving.

To prevent having trich in a cattle herd, producers can buy virgin bulls for breeding and run them on a clean herd of females. If purchasing non-virgin bulls it is recommend that they be tested for trich prior to breeding. Bulls already in the herd can also be tested to determine if there is trich present in the herd.

Routine pregnancy checking and selling of open females is also recommended to reduce the spread. Maintaining good border fences on pasture is another way to reduce the risk of cattle commingling that might have trich.

The AIB has implemented the following rules for South Dakota in cooperation with cattle producers to reduce the spread of trich:

  • Non-virgin bulls must be tested negative for trich prior to being sold, loaned or leased in South Dakota for breeding purposes;
  • Any non-virgin bull entering South Dakota must be tested negative for trich;
  • Non-virgin, non-pregnant female cattle (open cows) may not be imported, loaned, leased nor acquired for breeding purposes in South Dakota.

Cattle producers in South Dakota who are concerned about trichomoniasis should contact their herd veterinarian or the AIB at 605-773-3321.

 

Latest News

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations
Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations

As horses are exposed to the environment, wildlife and mosquitoes that transmit the five core equine diseases, it’s important to follow the core equine disease vaccination protocol.