These organisms can establish on the preputial mucosa of largely asymptomatic bulls, and be transmitted during coitis, resulting in infertility and abortion.  Samples require the use of a “Tricamper” collection tool, and the sample collected can be used for culture or PCR.

Preputial samples:

Insert the tool into the prepuce and move back and forth to scrape across preputial mucosa and the surface of the penis. Block end (e.g. with finger) to prevent loss of material then remove from prepuce. Holding just off horizontal, insert tip into saline tube and remove block from end. Rinse smegma using 5 mL saline from a syringe, or cut off the black head of tricamper into saline.

Vaginal mucus:

Clean perineum.  Introduce tricamper in a dorsocranial direction to avoid urethra until anterior end reaches cervix, and move gently back and forth. Block end (e.g. with finger) to prevent loss of material then remove. Holding just off horizontal, insert tip into saline tube and remove block from end. Rinse material off.

Note: Cultures should be initiated at the clinic. Culture media (for Tritrichomonas and Campylobacter) and Tricampers can be obtained using our consumable order form.  Further advice on sampling for these pathogens can be obtained by calling Awanui Veterinary Palmerston North.

Refer to our HOW TO guide for further sample collection details.