Effective June 15, 2018, official bovine trichomoniasis (trich) test submissions that do not meet the Texas Animal Health Commission’s (TAHC) rules for an official test will not be processed by Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). It is critical to the integrity of trich test results that veterinarians and producers adhere to submission timeframes and expiration dates.
TAHC would like to remind veterinarians and producers of the following submission requirements for an official bovine trich test:
Identification and Record Requirements
All bulls tested for Trichomoniasis must be officially identified at the time the initial test sample is collected and the official identification must be recorded on TAHC’s approved test document prior to submittal.
Official Tests
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test
• The sample, collected in an InPouch, is received by Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in good condition within 48 hours of collection or incubated by the collecting veterinarian for no more than 48 hours after collection and then submitted to arrive at the laboratory within 96 hours of collection. The InPouch must not be expired on the day TVMDL conducts the PCR test. For additional questions concerning InPouch expiration please contact TVMDL.
OR
• The Direct Smegma PCR sample, collected in phosphate buffered saline, must be received by TVMDL in good condition within 96 hours of collection.
Official Culture Test
• The sample collected in an InPouch must be received by TVMDL in good condition within 48 hours of collection. The InPouch must not be expired on the day the final testing of the sample is conducted by TVMDL. For additional questions concerning InPouch expiration please contact TVMDL.
For more information about requirements for
source: Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas trich program protocols updated
The Texas Trichomoniasis Program has entered its tenth year and considerable progress has been made in its initial years, but much is left to accomplish. The program is administered by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) with testing conducted by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL).
TAHC established a Trichomoniasis Working Group at the start of the program to give affected groups an avenue to voice their concerns, opinions, and provide guidance. This group includes cattle ranchers, private veterinarians, livestock market owners, cattle organizations, university faculty, and TVMDL.
At the most recent working group meeting, members unanimously agreed to strengthen testing protocols to ensure the program continues to move forward and protect all who are potentially impacted by trichomoniasis (
Because this is an official regulatory control program in Texas, TVMDL will adhere to the recommended testing guidelines beginning June 15, 2018. The following guidelines must be adhered to by accredited veterinarians when submitting samples to TVMDL.
- Samples submitted for PCR testing in either the Inpouch-TF or in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) for the Direct Smegma PCR must arrive at TVMDL within 96 hours (4 days) of collection. Arrival within 48 hours is highly recommended to ensure better sample quality. Samples arriving after 96 hours will not be tested.
- Samples submitted in the Inpouch for culture must arrive at TVMDL within 48 hours of collection. Samples arriving after 48 hours intended for culture will not be tested by this method but can be tested by PCR if it was received within the 96 hours.
- Samples submitted in the Inpouch TF will not be tested if it is expired on the day the test is conducted. Please check the date on the pouch before use.
- Please ensure that the trich form is correctly filled out and official animal ID is recorded.
Samples that do not meet these guidelines will not be tested. These guidelines are to aid in maintaining the quality of the sample and therefore improve the accuracy and reliability of the results.
For information on the trich sample collection process (video) follow this link.
For information on the Direct Smegma PCR please follow this link.
Please contact TVMDL College Station at 979-845-3414 or TVMDL Amarillo 806-353-7478 if you have questions concerning the laboratory tests.
Please contact your TAHC Regional office if you have questions concerning the trich program.
Source: TVDML