this is short and descriptive ppt on trichomoniasis covering every small point of disease from causing agent to diagnosis and treatment and prevention with sign and symptoms.

1. TRICHOMONIASIS
PRATEEK BALANA
BVSc & AH
4TH PROFESSIONAL

2. TRICHOMONIASIS
Trichomonosis also known as TRICH is a venereal disease of cattle caused by
Tritrichomonas foetus, a flagellate protozoan parasite.
Trichomonosis is asymptomatic in bulls, however in cows the disease is
characterized by infertility, abortion, embryonic and early fetal death, fetal
maceration, pyometra and vaginal discharge. The disease has a world-wide
distribution and, at one time, was of major economic importance as a cause of
abortion and infertility, especially in dairy cattle. The widespread use of artificial
insemination in many areas of the world has contributed to reduced prevalence.
Nevertheless, trichomonosis is still of importance in countries with extensive
farming practices where artificial insemination is not used.
Tritrichomonas
foetus

3. WHAT CAUSES TRICHOMONIASIS ?
 The protozoa Tritrichomonas foetus , is a motile protozoan with a pyriform
body, three anterior flagella, one posterior flagellum and an undulating
membrane along the body is responsible for trichomoniasis in cattle.
It is transmitted by sexual contact between animals. The most common
scenario for herd infection is the introduction of a mature bull into a herd that is
either infected or quickly becomes infected after breeding an infected cow and
passes the organism on to other cows in the herd.
The bull is the most important link in this disease since he is most likely to
become chronically infected. T. foetus lives in the microscopic folds of the skin
that lines the bull’s penis and sheath (prepucial crypts) but does not cause any
symptoms. As a bull matures, the number of folds increases which increases
the area to support the disease organisms and increases the likelihood of
chronic infection. Young bulls (less than 4 years) have poor development of
prepucial crypts and are less likely to harbor T. foetus. Once a bull has
become infected, treatment is usually not effective or practical.
T. foetus can be found in the vagina, cervix and uterus of an infected cow
causing vulvovaginites, cervicitis, endometritis or pyometra.

4. TRICH IN THE COW
 Protozoa attachs to the lining of the reproductive tract.
 Cow does not appear ill if gets infected.
 The cow may show a subtle, mild, vaginal discharge,
1 – 3 weeks later (pyometra).
 An inflammatory response occurs, resulting in the death of
the embryo;
 Cow becomes repeat breeders.

5. TRICH IN THE BULL
 No signs: semen quality and sexual behavior are not
affected;
 Trich lives in the crypts (folds) inside the sheath. Crypts
deeper in older bulls;
 As the bull ages, the skin grows, folds increase in the penis
and sheath, creating additional places for the organism to
thrive;
 Older bulls (over 3 years) more likely to become chronically
infected than younger bulls;

6. Crypt
From Older Bull
Crypts
From Younger Bull

7.  In herds with a new infection, a 50-70% calf crop is
common, strung out over 3 – 8 months.
 Embryo dies within the first 18 days; cow may stay on 21
day cycle.
 Usually, embryo dies at 50-60 days; cow will recycle.
 Abortion can occur at 7-8 months, rarely go to term.
WHAT IF ‘TRICH’ GETS INTO MY HERD ?

8.  Tritrichomonas is easier to detect in bulls than in cows.
 Bull becomes lifetime carrier;
 Before collection of sample from bulls Best to give 2 weeks sexual rest.
Then Culture test is performed for the diagnosis.
 If even one bull is positive, you have to assume that the herd has been
exposed!
 Cows usually clear infection rapidly; Test soon after embryo death sample
can be collected from vaginal wall for culture.
 Suggestive history not obtained until several months.
 For differential diagnosis PCR can be performed although it is costly but
results are very accurate.
 Repeating this test up to 3 times at 1-2 weeks intervals
increases test accuracy
DIAGNOSIS

9. SAMPLE COLLECTION FROM THE BULL

10. SAMPLE COLLECTION FROM THE COW

11. TREATMENT
 There is no treatment till date.
 Secondary and supportive treatment maybe given if
required.
 It is easier to prevent the infection than to try to control it
after it enters the herd.

12. HOW THE DISEASE CAN BE PREVENTED ?
 Cattle producers can protect their herds through biosecurity
and biocontainment.
 Following measures can be taken to prevent the disease:
• Only purchase virgin bulls if possible. The bull should be no more than 12
months of age unless tested prior to adding the animal to an established
herd.
• If purchasing a bull with a history of prior breeding experience, or if you are
renting or borrowing a bull for breeding, have the bull tested for
trichomoniasis before turning the bull out with the cows. The test is
recommended to be performed as part of a breeding soundness exam.
• If you suspect a problem in your herd, test your current bull battery. Any
infected bulls are required to be sold for slaughter only per regulations.
• Ensure that bulls from neighboring properties stay out of your cow pasture.
• When purchasing females, purchase virgin heifers and/or cows from a
reputable source.

13. CONTD….
• Pregnancy check cows in a timely manner after breeding to identify problems
early. Cull open cows. If trichomoniasis is diagnosed in the herd, cows should
be sold for slaughter only.
• Keep good records of a herd’s reproductive efficiency to identify possible
problems.
• Maintain a defined breeding season and utilize pregnancy checks to verify
success.
 A vaccine is available to aid the control and prevention of
this disease. The vaccine can be useful in cows but does not
protect bulls from becoming infected. Vaccination requires two
injections, typically administered two to four weeks apart.
Consult with your veterinarian when starting a trichomoniasis
vaccination program for your herd.

14. Thanks for your kind attention