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Trichomoniasis is a venereal protozoan disease of cattle due to Trichomonas foetus, causing infertility, uterine abscesses and abortion. The primary route that it is established in a herd is via an infected bull or infected semen, resulting in up to a 90% infection rate in serviced cows. Infertility may be temporary, with cows returning to heat in 4-5 months post-infection, but may be accompanied by abortion and pyometra (uterine infection). The abortion rate is moderate, occurring in 5-30% of the herd. The abortions typically occur at 2-4 months of gestation. Field examination of the placenta may reveal the following: · Flocculent material · Clear and serous fluid in uterine exudate · Examination of the aborted fetus may reveal fetal maceration. Culture examination of the fetal stomach and uterine exudates within 24 hours of abortion may isolate the protozoa. The cervical mucus agglutination test is another laboratory test using serology to diagnose this disease. 1 infected animal = infected herd The economic impact of this disease is significant: the calf crop may be reduced by as much as 50%. Signs of trichomoniasis include: · Reduced calf crop · Open cows · Cows returning to heat at the end of the breeding period · Strung-out calving season resulting in uneven calf crop Herd protection via vaccination is a safe, effective method of protecting against trichomoniasis.
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