Caused by the protozoal organism Tritrichomonas foetus , trichomoniasis is a venereal disease that can cause abortions and infertility. Infected cows or heifers may have a uterine discharge for several months. Vaccines are available but their efficacy has been questioned. A diagnosis of trichomoniasis is made by identifying T. foetus in properly prepared preputial or vaginal fluids. The assistance of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory usually is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Sarcocystis species are protozoa that occasionally cause abortion in cattle.
Abortions can occur at any stage of gestation. There is no effective treatment for cattle infected with Sarcocystis . Although not always feasible, controlling wild carnivore populations is the only known method of management. A diagnosis of abortion caused by Sarcocystis requires the assistance of a diagnostic laboratory. Neospora species are protozoa that only recently have been recognized as causes of abortions in cattle.