 | Dr. William Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1970 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. He and his wife, Dr. Laura Morland, founded the hospital in 1974. Dr. Morland is a large-animal practitioner. He also owns the Flying M Ranch. He enjoys working with his own cattle and back grounding calves. His pets other than his cattle include two Cairn terrier named Bandit and Dandy. |
Veterinary
2011-02-01 14:24:00
Trichomoniasis in cattle
Question: What is trichomonaisis and are my cattle susceptible?
Answer: Trichomoniasis is a reproductive disease in cattle caused by a protozoan parasite that results in early pregnancy loss. It is passed from the bull to the cow or heifer during breeding. While bulls are the primary reservoirs and vector of the organism, cows are also a reservoir of infection. This is not a new disease but it is emerging as a problem in this area. Infected cows and bulls display no clinical symptoms but the disease manifests itself in cows in a number of ways:
•A number of open cows at
pregnancy check
•Abortions
•Extended calving season
•And in a few infected cows -
pyometra and infertility
Good record keeping and maintaining a closed herd are the best methods of prevention. Sharing or leasing bulls and “bad fences” will increase risk factors in possibly introducing the disease to your herd.
It is only through awareness that trichomoniasis can be managed and reduced. It is a devastating problem if it enters your herd as it is believed to be the biggest reproductive threat to the U.S. cattle industry. Your veterinarian is available for testing bulls and for administering the vaccine that is available. It is important to be aware that this disease is beginning to show up in the four state area and can be prevented if careful management practices are utilized.
