FREMONT COUNTY – In a recent press release, the Wyoming Livestock Board confirmed a cattle herd in Wyoming tested positive for Trichomoniasis, or “trich”. The disease is transmitted throughout the herd, from cow to cow, by infected bulls. Trich is caused by the protozoa, Tritrichomonas foetus, which reduces fertility and can induce bovine abortions. 

“It (trich) has been found in many US states, especially in the Midwest and West, including Wyoming. It results in large economic losses for the cattle industry, particularly in cow-calf operations that depend on natural service,” the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory said in a report. 

The university has provided trich testing for area producers for many years. 

“In spite of the state-testing program, the disease persists,” the laboratory report continues. “Our long-term goal is to eradicate the disease in Wyoming.” 

Heifers and cows normally rid themselves of the disease in three to six months, however bulls carry the infection, without showing clinical signs, for life. 

To date, there is no medically approved treatment available for bovine Trichomoniasis and the best control is early detection in bulls. 

Bulls with positive Trichomoniasis tests should be removed from the heard and considered cull animals, according to the livestock board. 

The livestock board veterinarians will be holding an educational meeting in Lander on Friday, 26, at 1:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Wyoming Livestock Board animal health staff via phone, 307-777-7515, or email, lsbforms-applications@wyo.gov.