PREVALENCE AND RISK-FACTORS FOR TRICHOMONAS-FETUS INFECTION IN CATTLE IN NORTHEASTERN COSTA-RICA

Two studies (one pilot and one cross-sectional) were conducted in the two main livestock-rearing areas of Costa Rica using an improved method (In-Pouch TF) for the detection of Trichomonas foetus infection in bulls. Herd prevalence rates of 6.7% (6/89) and 15.9% (10/63), and bull prevalence rates of 3.9% (6/153) and 6.2% (14/225) were found in the pilot and cross-sectional studies, respectively. Adjusted prevalences in the cross-sectional study were 18.4% and 7.2% for farms and bulls, respectively. Breed (Bos taurus) and age (over 4 years) were the main risk factors identified using random-effects logistic regression. The nature of the disease and the high prevalence indicated that trichomoniasis could have a serious economic impact on cattle production in Costa Rica.