Sexually transmitted parasite found in South Dakota cattle herd

A South Dakota cattle herd has tested positive for a venereal disease.

The South Dakota Animal Industry Board announced in a Wednesday press release the disease, bovine trichomoniasis, was found in bull from a beef cattle herd in Bennett County.

Otherwise known as "trich," the disease is caused by trichomonas foetus, a parasite that is transmitted between cows and bulls during breeding.

According to the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, trichomoniasis is endemic in the U.S. and is a particular problem in midwestern and western regions of the country.

Beth Thompson, state veterinarian and AIB head, said it's hard to determine the commonality of the disease, but she clarified this is the first time the disease has been found in the state since 2019, when two positive cases were identified.

The disease can be particularly devastating for cattle herds, as the parasite can induce early term abortions and infertility in breeding cows.

"It's economically important, if you don't catch it early … Not only are you going to cause issues in the cows themselves, but it can reduce the calf crop significantly," Thompson told the Argus Leader Wednesday.

Thompson added it is too early to say how trich entered into the cattle herd.

"The Animal Industry Board is working with the herd owner and their veterinarian to develop a management plan to contain the disease," the board stated in the release. "Neighboring herd owners with potential contact animals will be informed of the risk to their animals as the investigation continues."

AIB advises producers to only purchase and use virgin bulls for breeding. South Dakota Administrative Rule requires non-virgin bulls to test negative for the disease prior to being sold, loaned or leased in the state for breeding purposes. All non-virgin bulls entering the state must also test negative for trich. The state bans the importing, loaning and leasing of open cows in South Dakota.

Bulls may also be tested two weeks after breeding for early detection of potential problems, the release stated. Timely pregnancy testing of females following the breeding season and prompt removal of open cows to be sold for feeding and slaughter will decrease the risk of disease spread.

Cattle producers with concerns about trichomoniasis should contact their herd veterinarian or the AIB at605-773-3321.