First report of bovine genital trichomoniasis in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

Abstract

The objective was to describe the first occurrence of bovine genital trichomoniasis in a herd in the semi-arid region of Brazil. On a cattle farm located in the municipality of Coremas, Paraíba, in northeastern Brazil, there was an outbreak of reproductive problems characterized by repeated estrus, abortion, and hypocalcemia. The herd, composed of 22 cows and one Holstein bull, was raised under a semi-intensive system with natural mating. The introduction of nine heifers from the Zona da Mata region of Pernambuco, six months before the outbreak, was identified as the likely source of infection. Vaginal fluid from all cows and preputial washings from the bull were analyzed by PCR, confirming infection by Tritrichomonas foetus with an infection rate of 30.4% (7/23) on the farm, including six cows and the bull testing positive. Among the six positive females, four were part of the group of animals acquired from another state. Five PCR-positive samples were sequenced, showing 99.1% to 100% similarity with T. foetus. This study reports the first occurrence of T. foetus in the semi-arid region of Brazil, highlighting its reproductive impact and the importance of biosafety measures to prevent its spread in the region.