Agricultural News
Trich Cases Reportedly on the Rise in Southern Plains Cattle Herds, Keep Vigilant or Incur the Costs
Mon, 12 Jun 2017 12:00:05 CDT
After having declined dramatically over the past few years, cases of trichomoniasis disease in southern plains cattle herds have increased in number so far this year. In an effort to curb this rise in "trich" cases, Kansas State Extension Veterinary Specialist Gregg Hanzlicek, is advising cow-calf producers to stay vigilant in their efforts to avoid this disease, that can be very costly to producers if it infects their herd. Hanzlicek spoke to Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays recently to reminds us of the nature of the problem. He says adhering to the test monitoring guidelines, really pays off.
"It's a venereal disease, so it can only be spread during a reproductive act," Hanzlicek said. "It affects not fertility, but it actually kills the early fetus."
Several States implemented tighter breeding stock regulations several years ago to rein this disease in. However, efforts to keep "trich" in check at the farm and ranch level still need to remain a high priority, according to Hanzlicek.
"Any bull, 18 months of age or older, is required to have a negative "trich" test within 60 days of when it's barrowed, sold, or leased," he said, acknowledging the fact that there is likely some producers not adhering to this rule and speculates this cheating could be contributing to the recent uptick in reported cases. "The other great risk factor is for people that buy used cows from other operations that they don't know the background on."
Listen to Hanzlicek and Hays discuss the threat of trichomoniasis to producers and their herds, and the importance of staying on top of this disease by following standard testing practices, on today's Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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