Trichomoniasis May Cause Temporary Infertility In Herds

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 82, 14 August 1950, Page 6

Trichomoniasis May Cause Temporary Infertility In Herds

Bovine trichomoniasis exists throughout the more important dairy-farming areas of the North Island, states the annual report of the Department of Agriculture. It is believed not only that the trouble is widespread but that it is the cause of much of the temporary infertility ip herds. Research indicates that the extent of the disease is reflected more in the spread of caiving than in the proportion of cows failing to conceive. It is likely that about a third of the herds experiencing sterility problems suggestive of the disease are actually infected. The trouble exists in many herds where it does not usually come to research workers’ notice, because by the time its presence is realised by the farmers the breeding season is over and herd owners carry on in the hope of repetition of past experience that a bad season for getting cows in calf is often followed by a good one. More farmers are, however, appreciating the desirability of immediate veterinary examination and diagnosis.