COW CALF PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT UPDATE - CURRENT CONCEPTS IN THE CONTROL OF BOVINE TRICHOMONIASIS/

Bovine trichomoniasis has been reported throughout the world and, in s ome regions of North America, South America Australia, affects as many as 50% of the herds. The disease is widespread in the range area's of the western United States and Florida. Bovine trichomoniasis is cause d by the protozoa Tritrichomonas foetus. Beef End hairy herds are affe cted by this contagious venereal disease. Veterinarians must have a th orough understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostic t echniques, immunology, treatment, and control methods when advising cl ients of practical, effective management programs to control and preve nt trichomoniasis. Herd management practices include laboratory-confir med diagnosis of the infection from preputial specimens, culling of in fected and older bulls, removal of open cows at pregnancy check time, limiting the breeding seasons to less than 90 days, avoiding common gr azing with other herds, and proper use of the available vaccines.