Bulls in Summit County test positive for Trich
May 12, 2022, 10:26 AM
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Two cases of trichomoniasis, or Trich, have been identified among two beef cattle herds in Summit County, according to the Utah State Veterinarian’s office.
“These herds were part of a grazing association in Weber Canyon during the summer of 2021,” stated a release Thursday from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Dr. Dean Taylor, the state’s veterinarian, said having multiple cases of Trich in Utah in one year “is very concerning.”
He went on to say, “It is vitally important that cattle owners follow the rules and guidelines set up for testing of these animals so we can prevent the spread of this disease.”
Trich is a venereal disease of cattle caused by a protozoa (microscopic parasite), and is spread between cattle during breeding, according to UDAF.
“Cows generally abort the fetus from this breeding and then clear the infection, but bulls remain infected for life,” stated the release.
There is no treatment for Trich, and it can be economically devastating to cattle herds because of:
- Culling of positive bulls and purchase of replacement bulls
- Increased abortion rate leading to a reduced calf crop
- Prolonged calving season and lower calf weights at sale
- Culling of open cows
- Loss of genetics
Individuals that had cattle in this area and are concerned about the positive tests affecting their cattle herd have been advised to contact the Utah State Veterinarian’s office by emailing statevet@utah.gov.
“The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is taking steps to quarantine affected animals and will place the herds with positive tests on a plan to stop the spread of the disease,” concluded the release.
