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HELENA - The Montana Department of Livestock is investigating a disease outbreak among cattle.

30 bulls in six herds have tested positive for trichomoniasis. It's a sexually transmitted disease which causes early and late term abortion in cattle.

The Department of Livestock is trying to identify the infected cattle so they can be eliminated from the herd.

So far 80 herds have been exposed to the disease and the state is testing them.

State veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski says the majority of the outbreak is being seen in Fergus and Musselshell Counties.

"If you wind up having a calving rate of 90%. So let's say 9 out of every 10 cows in the herd have a calf, that pregnancy rate can be dramatically reduced to the point where you might only have 50% or 60% of those females having calves," Zaluski says. "So the impact on the bottom line can be dramatic and absolutely bankrupt an operation."

The State is holding a public meeting in Roy on Tuesday at 6 pm at the new fire hall to discuss the outbreak and how to prevent further spread.