Prevalence of bovine venereal disease in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory: likely economic effects and practicable control measures

Abstract

Area prevalences of bovine Campylobacteriosis and Trichomoniasis in the Victoria River District (VRD) of the Northern Territory were determined by a survey of bulls. Eighty-seven percent of herds were infected with Campylobacteriosis and 65.6 percent were infected with Trichomoniasis. The levels of infection recorded are likely to be causing significant reductions in reproductive rates. Control of Campylobacteriosis is unlikely to be practicable on a district basis, but in some herds it may be possible to implement control measures in select groups subject to good stock control. Trichomoniasis control measures are generally not implementable in the VRD management situation. Computer modelling suggests that control measures are unlikely to be profitable in commercial herds. There is a need for field investigations to confirm this.