Trichomoniasis

Pathogenesis, Epidemiology and Economic Aspects

Abstract

Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle caused by Tritrichomonas fetus (T. fetus). Its clinical signs are repeat breeding at both regular and irregular intervals, abortion and pyometra (1,2,5,9). These are readily observed in dairy cattle. However, in beef cattle on western ranges, the first indication of a problem is usually finding additional cows open or with pyometra at the time of pregnancy check. Data is limited on the incidence of trichomoniasis (3,8,14). A 7.3% infection rate has been reported in slaughtered bulls in Florida (3). Another study in Oklahoma reported a 7.8% infection rate in bulls presented for sale at auction (14). These infection rates reflect only selected populations of bulls within these areas. Primary infection rates of over 40% have been reported in cow herds in Australia. In Colorado, identification of trichomoniasis in herds was 22 of 155 herds in 1987, 22 of 210 herds in 1988, and only 6 of 140 herds tested before October in 1989. The objective of this presentation is to review the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and economic aspects of the disease.