Bovine Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Bovine trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoa Tritrichomonas foetus. Infected bulls often show no signs of infection. However, these infected bulls are capable of spreading this disease to females at breeding. Infections in cows and heifers cause infection of the reproductive tract (uterus, cervix, and vagina) which may result in early embryonic death, abortion, prolonged infection (pyometra), or infertility. The major economic losses associated with trich are due to: 1) reduced calf crop due to early embryonic death or abortion, 2) reduced weaning weight due to delayed conception, and 3) culling and replacement of infected cattle. There are no drugs available to treat this disease. Therefore, most control efforts have targeted identification and elimination of positive bulls, vaccination of susceptible cows and bulls, and management strategies to prevent introduction of the trich into the herd.
Alabama Trichomoniasis Rule:
In 2012, the State Veterinarian established the Alabama Trichomoniasis Working Group to discuss the impact and regulation of trichomoniasis in Alabama. The current Trichomoniasis Rule requires bulls 18 months of age and older entering the state of Alabama test negative by PCR for trichomoniasis within 60 days prior to entry into the state. As a reminder, all bulls tested for trichomoniasis must be tested by a veterinarian that is federally accredited and identified with an official USDA approved ear tag. Beginning in January 2022, the State of Alabama Trichomoniasis Rule included the mandatory quarantine of bulls that test positive in the state.
Please see the links below for more information on the Alabama Trichomoniasis Rule: