Prevalence of Tritrichomonosis in bulls in a communal farming system in Mpumalanga Province, RSA: A pilot study

Abstract

This pilot study in the Mnisi area (Mpumalanga) estimates the individual prevalence rate of Tritrichomonas foetus in bulls. Samples were collected using the scraping technique, and were cultured for 5 days at an average of 36,9 °C. Every day, a droplet from the bottom of the tube was examined using light microscopy. 89 bulls, from 11 dip tanks, were included in the study, with an average age of 3 years and 4 months (SD ± 1 year and 4 months). No positive results were found at microscopic examination, resulting in a possible prevalence of 0,0 to 4,5 % (CI 95%, Mid-P value). Different factors could have influenced this result, and the prevalence might be underestimated. Possible causes of a low prevalence rate of T. foetus in this communal farming system were mentioned but need further investigation to be confirmed.