Trichomoniasis (Trich) in Cattle
Trichomoniasis ("Trich") is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, which is transmitted from cow to cow by infected bulls. This disease reduces calf production by decreasing fertility and inducing abortions.
While heifers usually rid themselves of Trichomoniasis in three to six months, bulls carry the infection for life without showing any symptoms. With no medically approved cures available, detection and control of infected bulls is key to containing the disease.
All breeding bulls entering Tennessee must now be accompanied with a certificate of veterinary inspection and be thoroughly tested for Trichomoniasis. Exceptions can be given for bulls entering the state for exhibitions or rodeos, provided that the bulls do not commingle with other cows.
An official sample must be done by an accredited veterinarian who has been approved by the state. Accredited veterinarians who want to be certified in Tennessee to conduct trichomoniasis testing should click on the following link and complete the certification course. In order to be fully certified, veterinarians must pass a required certification exam and receive a certificate of approval from the Tennessee State Department of Agriculture: Veterinarian Trichomonas Certification - Overview (tennessee.edu)
Anyone with questions regarding the certification process to conduct trichomoniasis testing may call the animal health office at (615) 837-5120 or send an email to animal.health@tn.gov.