Kansas has a regulation in place to protect the cow-calf sector from trichomoniasis. The regulation requires all bulls imported into Kansas be accompanied by a certificate of inspection signed by a veterinarian who officially attests whether the economically crippling disease has occurred in the herd of origin over the past two years.

For out-of-state virgin bulls 18 months and younger coming into Kansas, the owner must sign a statement indicating the bulls have not been sexually exposed to breeding age females. This statement must be attached to the certificate of veterinary inspection. Imported bulls 19 months and older, or those of unknown status under that age, must be certified negative through testing.

There is an exemption for bulls going directly to a licensed slaughter plant. Out-of-state bulls destined for a sanctioned rodeo or livestock show in Kansas are exempt if the animal is returning to its state of origin without being sexually exposed to any breeding age females.

Bulls are the primary carriers of trichomoniasis. There is no treatment for the infection. According to the Kansas Animal Health Department, two Kansas counties have had cases of trichomoniasis diagnosed this year, with nine counties affected last year.

For more information visit www.kla.org.