Trichomoniasis (called "trich") is a devastating venereal reproductive disease that is common in many beef herds. This disease is most prevalent in areas of multi-herd grazing such as Bureau of Land Management rangelands. Vaccination is recommended under certain conditions such as 1) high-risk herds (e.g., neighbor's herd is infected), 2) if trich is suspected in your herd, or 3) as part of the control program in trich-infected herds. The best way to prevent the disease is biosecurity. In other words, don’t allow trich into your herds. To ensure this, follow these suggestions:
* Have all bulls tested, and/or buy only virgin bulls,
* Don’t borrow/lease bulls,
* Don’t common-graze lands with other herds,
* Keep your fences in good repair, and
* Try to rotate in a new bull every five years.
Trich causes abortions to begin anywhere from early pregnancy all the way up to calving. This can cause loss in financial aspects due to low calf crop numbers and cows missing an entire cycle.
