US state detects trichomoniasis in cattle

Trichomoniasis has been identified in cattle in southeast New Mexico, US, and producers are being called on to join together to combat the problem.

Trichomoniasis, or "trich", is a venereal disease of cattle that does not make bulls or cows outwardly sick, but which results in the loss of reproductive efficiency of affected herds, said John Wenzel, New Mexico State University extension veterinarian.

"The loss of reproductive efficiency is due to the loss of pregnancy and the lengthening of the calving season," Wenzel said.

According to agriculture agent Woods Houghton, to fight its spread, officials are urging testing of potentially infected animals and promoting a programme that establishes a breeding season to better monitor herds.