Monday, March 02, 2009

Texas Cattle Trichomoniasis Program Adopted

Beginning April 1, 2009, breeding bulls entering Texas from any other state must be either 24 months of age or younger and certified as a virgin, or be tested negative for cattle trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. The entry requirements are part of a regulatory package adopted by the commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) February 24 to address trichomoniasis, a venereal disease of cattle that causes infertility and abortions, and results in extended breeding seasons and diminished calf crops, which costs livestock producers valuable income. Cattle trichomoniasis is not a human health issue. The second phase of the program, which will address in-state movement of Texas breeding bulls, will go into effect January 1, 2010. Dr. Hillman explained that the interstate, or state-to-state movement, phase of the trichomoniasis regulations will begin April 1, 2009. Breeding bulls entering Texas must be officially identified, and may come certified as virgins, provided they are 24 months of age or younger, and have not commingled with female cattle. A breeder’s certificate must accompany the virgin breeding bull, signed by the breeder, and the information also must be included on the certificate of veterinary inspection. Routine documents also are required, including the certificate of veterinary inspection, and other applicable tuberculosis or brucellosis entry requirements must be met, depending on the state of origin, or if the bull is a beef or dairy animal. Non-virgin breeding bulls or bulls older than 24 months of age entering Texas on and after April 1 must be tested negative for trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. During the test period and prior to shipment, the bulls must have no contact with female cattle. Like virgin bulls, the non-virgin bulls must be officially identified with a breed registry tattoo or brand, a USDA metal ear tag, official RFID tag, official trichomoniasis ear tag from the state of origin, or other official identification. The animal must be accompanied by a completed trichomoniasis test document, certificate of veterinary inspection and other routine health documents...TAHC Press Release

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You might not know this or even care, but many years ago there was a salve that was available to treat trich.As I recall the salve was used to treat a disease in turkeys caused by an organism similar to the one in bulls. This product was removed from the market because it was potential carcinogen. I ask you if it causes a tumor on a bulls penis after ten years of using who cares? The veterinarian or the rancher using this product was susceptible only if he didn't use rubber, i.e. latex gloves when he smeared it on the bulls tool. I also think this disease is a ranchers problem and not something the feds should be interested in. What about FMD. That is what we should be protecting against. Did you know there is a vaccine in Europe that has stopped the disease in it's tracks? but is a no no in the good old U.S. Thanks APHIS