home → articles → Reproduction | Email to a Friend

Arkansas Implements Trichomoniasis Testing At Sale Barns

published: June 28th 2011
source: The Daily Times

Arkansas livestock officials are implementing a new testing program to prevent an epidemic of a sexually transmitted disease in bulls that could threaten the state’s $1.4 billion cattle industry.

Beginning last week, the state is requiring that bulls be tested for Bovine Trichomoniasis before being sold or leased within the state. Animals that test positive have to be slaughtered.

The disease is asymptomatic in bulls and does not affect the safety or quality of beef. But it is considered dangerous because it infects the uterus of heifers, causing fertility problems and spontaneous abortion of calves that could sharply reduce herds in the state.

Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas have already implemented new regulations regarding the testing of bulls because of outbreaks there, said Tom Troxel, associate head of animal science with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Badley said the vaccine, which costs $15 the first year, comes in doses which must begin in consecutive months. The vaccine is given annually after that.