Nevada Department of Agriculture to offer pooled testing for trichomoniasis beginning Dec. 1, 2020

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Animal Industry Division is pleased to announce exciting changes to or laboratory and Trichomoniasis Program. Beginning Dec. 1, 2020, the Animal Disease Laboratory (ADL), located at Sparks NDA headquarters, will be offering pooled PCR testing for trichomoniasis, for healthy herds. The samples will still need to be submitted individually, but upon request, up to 5 individual samples will be pooled for testing at the laboratory.

NDA staff have been working diligently on this change to help facilitate the need for a cost-effective option that still offers improved accuracy over T. foetus culture. The Animal Disease Laboratory has been streamlining plans for the submission process, in preparation for the December launch. We hope this long-awaited development will facilitate compliance with state regulations and offers producers another tool in preventing trichomoniasis within their herds. We also hope it will allow easier interstate travel for those herds traveling to and from states that accept pooled samples.

With the recent impacts of the last few months on the livestock industry, it is even more important to be able to offer producers a more cost-effective option of managing their herds and preventing unnecessary losses due to T. foetus. Trichomoniasis remains a reportable disease in the state, and offering a more accurate, yet still affordable option, can only improve Nevada’s cattle industry. Additionally, NDA will also be accepting pool results on healthy herds, from approved laboratories.

In conjunction with this program update, NDA will also be offering an improved communication link between accredited veterinarians performing T. foetus testing, and the NDA.  This will allow us to keep practicing, accredited veterinarians updated on the latest changes to the program, as well as the status of trichomoniasis in Nevada.

Updated information, including pricing and submission forms, will be posted at agri.nv.gov/animal closer to the start date.

Amy Mitchell, DVM, joined the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) as the state veterinarian in May 2020. She brings 18 years of experience in various aspects of veterinary medicine to the role, including managing a private practice and teaching. Her background includes large and small animal medicine, as well as herd health management. Dr. Mitchell studied at the University of Kansas and the University of Georgia, prior to earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.