Two Weber Canyon bulls test positive for STD

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah. — The Utah State Veterinarian’s Office has confirmed two positive cases of trichomoniasis (trich) in bulls from two beef cattle herds located in Summit County, according to ABC4.

The affected herds were part of a grazing association in Weber Canyon last summer.

“To have multiple cases of Trich in our state in one year is very concerning,” Dr. Dean Taylor, Utah State Veterinarian, told ABC4. “It is vitally important that cattle owners follow the rules and guidelines set up for testing of these animals so we can prevent the spread of this disease.”

Trich is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) of cattle caused by protozoa or a microscopic parasite and spreads during the breeding process. Usually, the fetus of an affected cow is aborted, which clears the infection; however, the bulls remain infected for their life.

Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for the disease, leading to financial hardship for cattle herders. According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), a breakout of this disease can lead to the culling of the infected bulls and the replacement thereof, a decline in calf crop due to the necessary abortions, a prolonged calving season, and the loss of genetics.

The UDAF has stated that they are working to quarantine all of the affected animals and have created a plan for the affected herds to stop the spread of the disease.

For individuals in Summit County who may be concerned about this incident and its impact on their herds, they can contact the Utah State Veterinarian’s Office for more information.