Quarantine Issued on Movement of Bulls in Hawaiʻi

By Maui Now Staff

A quarantine order was issued yesterday on the movement of bulls between herds within the state to prevent the spread of Bovine Trichomoniasis, a venereal disease found in cattle.

State officials say the reproductive disease can cause significant production losses and economic harm. Authorities with the state Department of Agriculture say it is spread during breeding of cattle, and does not affect humans or the safety of beef.

The quarantine order requires:

• All herd owners in Hawaiʻi must have their bulls tested with a negative result for the disease prior to sale, acquisition or movement.
• A negative test result is required within 30 days for bulls 12 months or older that enter the state.
• Bulls being imported shall not have contact with female cattle after testing and prior to arrival in Hawaiʻi.

According to state Agricultural officials, Trichomoniasis was detected in bulls in the Kaʻū district of Hawaii Island in 2011. A department press release announcing the quarantine indicates that 10 infected herds have been detected, including nine on Hawaiʻi Island with reports in Kaʻū, North Hilo and Kohala districts, and one on ʻOahu in Makakilo.