Trichomoniasis in cattle can cause reproductive system inflammation, infertility, and early miscarriage in cattle herds, resulting in significant economic losses in cattle farming. It is a highly harmful disease. So, what is trichomoniasis in cattle? How can it be prevented and treated? Let's find out.
What is Trichomoniasis in Cattle?
Trichomoniasis in cattle is an infectious disease caused by trichomonads. Trichomonads are single-celled protozoa, primarily parasitic in the reproductive organs of cows and bulls, such as the seminal vesicles, penile mucosa, prepuce of bulls, uterus, and vagina of cows. Therefore, trichomoniasis in cattle causes the greatest harm to cows, mainly causing reproductive tract diseases, with mating being the primary mode of transmission.
How is Trichomoniasis in Cattle Spread?
Bulls are usually carriers of trichomonads and can transmit them to cows. Inadequate disinfection of artificial insemination instruments during artificial insemination can also spread trichomonad eggs. If a cow's reproductive organs contain many trichomonads, then after the cow becomes pregnant, there will be a large number of trichomonads in its uterus, which can enter the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Cattle
Usually, when trichomonads on the cow's body have not yet caused disease, but if the trichomonads begin to cause damage, the cow will refuse to mate. Nodules resembling worms will appear on the mucous membrane of the bull's penis, and pus-like secretions will flow from the prepuce, which will also swell. This disease will seriously affect the reproductive performance of cows, causing nodules on the mucous membrane, vaginal swelling, and endometritis in cows. Cows will fail to conceive continuously, and abnormal secretions will occur in the vagina. Pregnant cows may miscarry or have stillbirths. If a cow miscarries or has a stillbirth, it is best to use oxytocin to clean the uterus.
Treatment Methods for Trichomoniasis in Cattle
We can orally administer metronidazole to cattle, at a dose of 50 milligrams per kilogram of cattle weight, for five consecutive days, once a day. Flush the uterus of cows or the preputial cavity of bulls with 0.3% iodine solution once every other day. Intravenous injection of metronidazole, using 75 milligrams per kilogram of cattle weight, once every 12 hours, for three consecutive times.
In conclusion, the above is an introduction to trichomoniasis in cattle. It is necessary to ensure the hygiene before mating of bulls and cows. Prevention is key for trichomoniasis in cattle, and breeders should pay attention to it.
