- (1) Any sexually intact bovine, except for bison, that is found test-positive for trichomoniasis, and any herd in which one or more bulls or cows are found test-positive for trichomoniasis, is considered infected. Test-positive means a positive result on a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test for trichomoniasis.
- (2) In the case of infected sexually intact bovine, the herd shall be quarantined pending an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the infection.
- (3) All exposed herds will be identified by an accredited veterinarian in conjunction with the department. An exposed herd is defined as a cattle herd which has had, within the past twelve months, direct commingling or cross-fence contact with an infected herd during a time of potential breeding activity. The owner of exposed herds will be notified of the possible exposure and requested to test the herd using a qPCR test. All testing will be at the owner's expense.
- (4) (a) Infected bulls will be quarantined and branded high on the tail head by the department with a USDA regulatory S-brand, and will not be used for breeding.
- (b) Infected bulls must be slaughtered, sold for slaughter, or sent to a category 2 restricted holding facility to remain in slaughter channels. Infected bulls shall only be moved when accompanied by a USDA form VS 1-27.
- (c) A nonpregnant female, with no calf at side, which is identified by the owner as being from an infected herd and is offered for sale at a livestock market, must remain in slaughter channels.
- (5) The quarantine will be removed when all remaining bulls in the herd test negative to a second qPCR test for trichomoniasis and following proof of removal of infected bulls. Bulls must have a minimum of two negative qPCR tests at least one week apart for quarantine release. All bulls from infected herds, except virgin bulls, will be tested using a qPCR test the following trich-year before breeding. A trich-year means the period from September 1st to August 31st of any given year. Bulls from infected herds may not have to be tested the following trich-year if a herd plan has been approved by the state veterinarian.
- (6) Information that cattle have tested positive for trichomoniasis may be supplied to county extension agents, accredited veterinarians, and industry representatives. Each month, the department may publish a press release of counties that have infected herds.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 16.36.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 16-01-132, § 16-86-115, filed 12/18/15, effective 1/18/16; WSR 15-02-028, § 16-86-115, filed 12/30/14, effective 1/30/15. Statutory Authority: Chapters 16.36 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 10-20-093, § 16-86-115, filed 9/30/10, effective 10/31/10.]