Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle which can cause infertility through early embryonic death and abortion. The disease is caused by a protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus. The disease is uncommon in NSW and other states of southern Australia.
After infection a discharge usually occurs more commonly than with other venereal diseases such as Bovine Campylobacteriosis. In recently infected herds 5-30 per cent of cows can show clinical signs such as endometritis, vaginitis, cervicitis associated with mucopurulent discharge. In 5-10 per cent of cases pyometron may develop.
Infected bulls are considered to be permanent carriers therefore they are important to test to recover the organism. After two weeks of sexual rest is the best time to sample bulls. Testing for both Trichomoniasis and Bovine Campylobacteriosis is usually done on the same sample, collected from the prepuce of the bull (see link below).
Diagnosis is supported by clinical history and confirmed by culture and DNA-based testing (PCR and RFLP) if trichomonads are observed in the culture. DNA-based testing is to ensure T. foetus has been identified and not non-pathogenic trichomonads.
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
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Trichomonas culture | Vaginal mucus, Preputial scrapings or wash, foetal stomach content | Monday – Friday | 7 working days |
Trichomonad speciation by PCR and RFLP2 | PCR and RFLP performed on Trichomonad culture | Monday - Friday | Up to 4 working days |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. TAT does not include weekends or public holidays. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2 This test is not NATA accredited.
Foetal stomach contents |
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Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
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CONTACT DETAILS | |
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Phone | 1800 675 623 |
Operating Hours | 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only) |
Postal Address | Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567 |
For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request
For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.
For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.
Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.
Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).
Sample Type | Laboratory | Street Address |
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Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |