Bovine Trichomoniasis

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 organisms which cause the disease are found in the genital tracts of cattle with transmission occurring during mating.

The disease can also be spread, to a lesser extent, by contaminated equipment used for calving or artificial insemination (AI), or if contaminated semen is used for AI.

Bovine trichomoniasis is an uncommon disease in NSW and the other states of southern Australia. However, the disease is endemic to northern Australia where a significant proportion of bulls may be infected.

Topics covered by this factsheet include:

• Clinical signs
• Carrier state
• Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis
• Trichomoniasis is a notifiable disease
• Treatment
• Management recommendations
• Prevention