Trichomoniasis could be the most economically damaging disease cow-calf producers face. The trich pathogen, Trichomonas foetus, is a single-cell protozoa, transmitted through sexual contact. Bulls are the primary sources for spreading the disease. Thus, testing bulls is the most effective means of controlling or eliminating trich from cow-calf herds.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, August 9, 2016.
Herds with one or more infected bulls can suffer catastrophic reductions in calving rates of 30% or more. In 1991 trich caused losses estimated at $660 million. Today, as the disease has spread across the country and cattle values have increased, the annual loss is around $1.6 billion.
INSIGHTS: Sales representatives and veterinary teams must keep the trich discussion going with producers. Good management practices help prevent potential production and financial losses.