Bovine trichomoniasis, or trich, has recently been diagnosed in three South Dakota cattle herds.  South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says the cases are all in West River operations.

He says the trich is a reproductive disease can be economically devastating.  It can be transmitted between cows and bulls during breeding, and can result in early term abortions.

The South Dakota Animal Industry Board has implemented rules in an effort to help prevent trichomoniasis spread in cattle.

He says signs that the disease may be present in a herd include a high number of open cows, cows showing signs of heat when they should be pregnant, and the presence of many late-calving cows.