Bovine Trichomoniasis: Health and Economic Impacts on Arizona Cow-Calf Operations

Abstract

Trichomoniasis (or Trich, as it is commonly referred to in the industry) is a reproductive disease in cattle that can seriously impact the bottom line of Arizona ranches and the cow-calf industry. This disease has been recognized in all major cattle-producing countries and is endemic in the western and southwestern United States, including Arizona. Cattle operations in this region have unique challenges to controlling Trich: cattle graze very large, open tracts of land and because of this are often less intensively managed and unintentional co-mingling is relatively commonplace. Currently, the most effective means of disease control is testing for and culling positive bulls. Most western states have enacted legislation which requires bull testing in an attempt to control the disease. These measures range from only testing bulls being sold for breeding purposes to requiring annual testing for all bulls grazing on public land. In addition to regular testing, taking proactive management steps to prevent the introduction of Trich into a herd is key to decreasing its impact both at the individual ranch and cow-calf industry level.