SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A group of American and Canadian veterinarians has developed a web based program called Trich Consult to help producers learn more about this devastating disease in breeding cattle.
The overall infection rate of trichomoniasis is probably seven to eight percent, but the prevalence is variable across regions, said veterinarian Bob Larson of Kansas State University.
The program should be released soon and is similar to another called BVD Consult, which went online in 2013.
“It is a get rid of it, not live with it, disease,” he said at an animal health committee meeting during the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 3-7.
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The disease causes infected cows to abort their calves. Bulls carry it and can continue to spread it unless they are removed from the herd and slaughtered.
Producers who join the program are asked questions, the first being: “Do you have trich in your herd?”
The program then directs the producer to more information based on the response. It can provide recommendations on surveillance and keeping a herd disease free.
Twenty-six U.S. states have strict control programs regarding treatment, testing and animal movement.
Producers interested in learning more about bovine viral diarrhea can visit www.bvdconsult.com.
The second program, www.trichconsult.org, should be active soon.
barbara.duckworth@producer.com
