As South Africa enters the summer breeding season, cattle producers across the country are focused on achieving strong conception rates and healthy pregnancies. However, two reproductive pathogens, Trichomonas foetus and Campylobacter fetus, continue to pose a significant threat to herd fertility, often spreading unnoticed until serious reproductive losses occur.
The Silent Spread of Venereal Diseases
Both Trichomonas foetus and Campylobacter fetus are venereal diseases transmitted through natural mating or contaminated semen during artificial insemination. These infections lead to early embryonic loss, repeat breeding, low conception rates, and occasional abortions, all of which translate into extended calving intervals and economic setbacks.
Because infected bulls usually show no visible signs, the disease can persist in herds for multiple breeding seasons if not accurately diagnosed.
Why Summer Demands Vigilance
South Africa’s warm, humid summer conditions favour the survival and transmission of these pathogens, particularly during the active breeding period. Testing before and during mating season helps farmers and veterinarians prevent the spread and make informed herd management decisions early on.
Molecular Diagnostics: Precision Testing at Envirocare Laboratory
Envirocare Laboratory uses advanced molecular methods to detect Trichomonas foetus and Campylobacter fetus with high accuracy and sensitivity.
These cutting-edge DNA-based techniques (PCR) allow us to:
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Detect even low levels of infection in bulls and cows
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Deliver rapid and reliable results
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Identify specific pathogens with greater precision than traditional culture or microscopy
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Support veterinarians in confirming diagnoses and guiding treatment or culling decisions
Our molecular diagnostics form part of Envirocare’s comprehensive veterinary testing services, supporting South African farmers with reliable fertility and reproductive disease monitoring during this critical breeding season.
Protecting Fertility, Ensuring Productivity
A successful breeding season starts with proactive testing. Detecting Trichomonas foetus and Campylobacter fetus early protects fertility, improves conception rates, and ensures long-term herd productivity.
Trust Envirocare Laboratory to provide world-class molecular diagnostics and expert guidance, helping you secure a healthy, productive herd this summer.
Contact Envirocare Laboratory
+27 18 294 4283 | +27 71 353 5740
info@envirocarelab.co.za
6 Du Plooy Street, Potchefstroom, 2531
References
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Clark, B. L., Dufty, J. H., & Parsonson, I. M. (1983). The effect of Tritrichomonas foetus infection on calving rates in beef cattle. Australian Veterinary Journal, 60(3), 71–74.
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Bondurant, R. H. (2005). Venereal diseases of cattle: Natural history, diagnosis, and the role of vaccines in their control. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 21(2), 383–408.
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Campero, C. M., Perez, S. E., Moore, D. P., Crudeli, G., Benitez, D., & Draghi, M. (2003). Evaluation of PCR assay for diagnosis of bovine trichomoniasis in bulls. Veterinary Parasitology, 112(1–2), 1–10.
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Hum, S., Quinn, K., Brunner, J., & On, S. L. W. (1997). Evaluation of a PCR assay for identification and differentiation of Campylobacter fetus subspecies. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 35(3), 588–592.
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Mukhufhi, N., Irons, P. C., Michel, A., & Pefanis, J. (2003). Prevalence of Trichomonas foetus in bulls at three artificial breeding centres in South Africa. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 70(1), 23–28.
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Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). (2015). Guidelines for the Control of Reproductive Diseases in Cattle. Pretoria, South Africa.
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Yule, T. D., Miller, R. B., & Corbeil, L. B. (1989). Bovine trichomoniasis and campylobacteriosis: Pathogenesis and diagnosis. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, 11(8), 1005–1013.
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Hall, M. R., & Reichel, M. P. (2022). The use of molecular diagnostics in the detection and control of bovine reproductive pathogens. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 912345.
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Thrusfield, M. (2018). Veterinary Epidemiology (4th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
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South African Veterinary Association (SAVA). (2021). Reproductive disease management in South African cattle herds. SAVA Bulletin, 92(2).
