Kansas sees a slight increase in trichomoniasis

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has reported there was a slight increase in the number of trichomoniasis-infected bulls and herds in 2017. There were nine new cases diagnosed last year, compared to only three cases in 2016. The cases involved 10 positive herds with 2,500 total cows and 23 positive bulls. These positive cases resulted in 18 herds being placed under quarantine due to possible exposure.

Most of the positive bulls ranged from 5 to 7 years old. About 50 percent of the herd owners reported carrying over open heifers or cows. All the positive herds had contact with short-bred or open cows.

Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease spread through sexual contact. It causes abortions, prolonged calving intervals and high open rates.

Kansas regulations address testing bulls at change of ownership and requiring breeding cattle imported from other states to meet certain criteria. More information on regulations related to trichomoniasis can be found at http://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-disease-control-and-traceability/trichomoniasis. An increase in producer awareness and testing during recent years has led to a lower incidence rate of the disease.