The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is re-proposing proposed regulation K.A.R. 9-7-4, relating to Trichomoniasis (Trich) testing requirements for cattle in Kansas, to clarify the types of bulls to which the intrastate testing will apply. KDA originally published a notice of hearing on the proposed Trich regulation in the September 27, 2012, Kansas Register.

Trich is a disease that results in infertility in cows and heifers. The disease can be economically devastating to affected herds and is a major concern of the Kansas cattle industry. To address the issue, KDA created a working group including cattle farmers and ranchers, industry partners and veterinarians from across the state. The proposed regulation is the result of the working group’s recommendations.

The proposed regulation will require any non-virgin bull, bull 19-months of age or older, or bull of unknown virginity status that changes ownership in Kansas by private sale, public sale, lease, trade, or barter but does not go directly to slaughter, be certified negative for Trich. Previously, this certification was only required for bulls being imported into Kansas from other states.

The regulation is being repurposed to clarify that the new intrastate testing requirements were intended to apply to bulls 19-months of age or older and bulls of unknown virginity status in addition to non-virgin bulls. The new, re-proposed regulation is available online at KDA’s website.

KDA will host a public hearing on the proposed regulation at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, in the 4th floor training room of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 109 S.W. 9th, Topeka. This hearing replaces the originally scheduled hearing that was to be held November 27.

KDA is accepting written comments on the proposed regulation until January 10. All interested parties may submit written comments to the Secretary of Agriculture, 109 S.W. 9th, 4th Floor, Topeka, 66612, or by e-mail at leslie.garner@kda.ks.gov. Additionally, interested parties will be given a reasonable opportunity to present their views orally at the hearing. If you have any questions on the Trich regulation, please contact Dr. Bill Brown, Kansas animal health commissioner, at William.Brown@kda.ks.gov or (785) 296-2326.