Introduction

This online CPD course has been designed to provide easy access to up-to-date scientific information on trichomonosis in cattle. The course material has been developed by internationally recognized scientists on trichomonosis: Prof CH ANNANDALE, Associate Professor, Veterinary Specialist in Reproduction Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Prof DE HOLM, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa and Prof PC IRONS, Veterinary Program Director, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.

Trichomonosis in cattle is caused by Tritrichomonas foetus. The disease is regarded as one of the most important causes of poor calving rates in cattle, and closely resembles the clinical appearance of infection caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis.  The two infections often occur together in herds. One is usually led to suspect a herd is infected with T. foetus when calving percentage or pregnancy rate is low to moderate, aberrant oestrus cycles are observed, prolonged intercalving periods are recorded and there is a higher-than-normal occurrence of post-coital pyometra.

The pros and cons of different diagnostic techniques and control/management strategies and risk factors associated with high prevalence rates of trichomonosis are discussed.

Who Should Enrol

Veterinary, para-veterinary and allied animal and human health professionals and students.

Course Design

Online CPD course

Course Content

Module 1. Trichomonosis: Introduction, Aetiology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Immunology, Clinical signs, Pathology, Diagnosis, Differential Diagnosis, Control (2 CPD points)

Course Highlights

This online CPD course has been designed to provide easy access to up-to-date scientific information on trichomonosis in cattle for a wide range of learners with different interest in the disease.

Trichomonosis can be considered to occur in all the major cattle-farming regions globally. It is a venereal disease of cattle associated with cervicitis, endometritis and salpingitis resulting in aberrant oestrus cycles, infertility, embryonal and foetal death, and a low percentage of early abortions and pyometra. Most cows/heifers clear themselves of infection over two to three oestrus cycles.

In bulls, trichomonosis is characterized by an infection of the preputial and penile mucosa, and rarely, the urethral orifice. Older bulls become life-long carriers of the organism and it is thought that this can be attributed to deeper penile epithelial crypts or more regular breeding activity. Bulls are the main source of infection, and it occurs predominantly via coitus during natural service, but iatrogenic infection through improper biosecurity and the use of contaminated semen for artificial insemination are also possible.

The learner will be able to study and complete the course material and online test at his/her own pace.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course the learner will have a sound knowledge of trichomonosis in cattle and will be able to:

  • understand and discuss the most important features of the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and control/prevention of the disease.
  • point out the different sites of infections in bulls and cows/heifers and the consequences of infections.
  • understand the economic importance of trichomonosis in cattle. 
  • discuss the differential diagnosis for trichomonosis in cattle. 
  • explain the collection, storage and shipment of appropriate specimens for diagnostic purposes and will have a good understanding of the different diagnostic tests that are applicable to confirm trichomonosis in cattle.
  • understand the pros and cons of the different strategies and other measures that can be taken in the prevention/control/eradication of trichomonosis in cattle.

Assessment

The modules will have a multiple-choice test.

Accreditation

Module 1: Trichomonosis in cattle     

South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)

2 CPD Points

AC/0387/20

Certification

In order to qualify for CPD points, the learner will be required to complete the course and pass the multiple-choice test with 80%.




2.0 CPD Points