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2 bulls in SW Iowa test positive for venereal disease

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 2nd, 2012 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Friday, said that two bulls in southwest Iowa have tested positive for trichomoniasis (trik-uh-muh-NEYE’-uh-sis), a venereal disease in cattle.  The facility itself was not identified. Bovine trichomoniasis is a reportable disease in Iowa.  There are no clinical signs of illness in the bulls, but it can be spread to cows and causes infertility. Farmers buying bulls are encouraged to make sure the animals are tested for the disease before being introduced into the herd or to purchase virgin bulls. The Department has issued an order of quarantine for the facility where the disease was found.  The quarantine will remain in place until further testing confirms the disease is no longer present in the herd. This is the first known case of the disease in Iowa but there have been more than 200 cases in Missouri.