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Identification of trichomonad-carrier cows
1Department of Veterinary Reproduction, University of California, Davis 95616.
Seven pregnant cows (gestation durations, 42 days to 7 months) were identified as culture-positive for Tritrichomonas foetus. For 6 of these pregnancies, 2 of the youngest fetuses were aborted, and calves were delivered by the other 4 cows. Two cows became carriers, maintaining trichomonad infections for 6 and 9 weeks after parturition. Carrier cows may be a source of reinfection for their herd mates. Hence, strategies for controlling trichomoniasis might include delaying the time of first breeding and aggressive culling of infected cows.
Seven pregnant cows (gestation durations, 42 days to 7 months) were identified as culture-positive for Tritrichomonas foetus. For 6 of these pregnancies, 2 of the youngest fetuses were aborted, and calves were delivered by the other 4 cows. Two cows became carriers, maintaining trichomonad infections for 6 and 9 weeks after parturition. Carrier cows may be a source of reinfection for their herd mates. Hence, strategies for controlling trichomoniasis might include delaying the time of first breeding and aggressive culling of infected cows.