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Digital DermatitisCaused by bacteria that lead to painfulwarts on a cow's heel, can inducelameness and has earned variousmonikers, including hairy heel warts,strawberry foot, digital warts,Mortellaro, and interdigitalpapillomatosis. As this conditioncontinues to gain prominence in thedairy industry, it poses a dual menace,endangering both biosecurity andanimal welfare on farms. To combatthis infectious disease, dairy producersmust prioritize the identification andtreatment of cases, while implementingeffective management strategies forcontrolling its spread and preventingfurther outbreaks.Treponema species are a type of bacteria that can cause variousinfections in animals and humans. These bacteria thrive in moist anddirty environments, making it important to maintain proper hygiene toprevent their growth.Treponema species are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they can surviveand multiply in environments with low oxygen levels. In the case of Digital Dermatitis, Treponema bacteria can enter thehooves through small cuts or abrasions and cause infection. Thisleads to the development of characteristic lesions, including painfululcers and erosions on the skin of the hooves.It's worth noting that there are several species of Treponema, anddifferent species may be associated with different diseases orinfections in various animals. Some species, such as Treponemapallidum, are known to cause sexually transmitted infections inhumans, such as syphilis.Digital dermatitis, also known as hairy heel warts, gets its name dueto the appearance of lesions in the proliferative stage resembling hairyor fibrous warts. These lesions are mainly found on the cow's heel orinterdigital area. It is important to note that digital dermatitis is causedby bacterial infection and inflammation, not by a viral infection liketraditional warts.Digital dermatitis, or hairy heel warts, has two main stages:proliferative (hairy) and hyperkeratotic (warty). In the proliferativestage, the initial M1 lesion appears as a small, inflamed area near theinterdigital space or on the cows heel. It progresses to the M2 lesion,which is a raised, cauliflower-like growth with a rough texture. Thisstage can cause discomfort and lameness. In the hyperkeratoticstage, the M3 lesion enlarges and becomes more severe, withulceration, foul odour, and discharge. It may transition to the M4lesion, which is painful, causes lameness, and involves thick, rough,and warty skin.DIGITAL DERMATITIS - MORTELLARO Know the culprit: Treponema bacteriaCall 0818 30 30 81Products, Programmes & Solutions for Hoof Care Challenges

Early identification and treatment in the proliferative stage are crucial for prevention and control. Properhoof trimming, hygiene, and management practices are essential. Digital dermatitis, there are two mainstages: proliferative (hairy) and hyperkeratotic (warty). Let's break down each stage in detail. DIGITAL DERMATITIS 4 MAIN STAGES Proliferative (Hairy) Stage:Stage 1: M1 Lesion - This is the initial stage of digital dermatitis. The M1lesion appears as a small, circular, inflamed, and reddened area on theskin near the interdigital space between the claws. It has a moistappearance and may resemble a small ulcer or erosion. The lesion istypically accompanied by swelling and can be painful for the cow.It is important to note that the progression of digital dermatitis can vary among individual cows and herds.Proper hoof trimming, hygiene practices, and appropriate management protocols are essential for preventionand control of digital dermatitis. Early identification and treatment of lesions in the proliferative stage can helpprevent the disease from progressing to the more severe hyperkeratotic stage.Stage 2: M2 Lesion - At this stage, the M2 lesion becomes morepronounced and takes on a hairy or fibrous appearance. It appears as araised, cauliflower-like growth on the skin. The lesion is typically grey orblack and has a rough texture due to the proliferation of bacteria,particularly Treponema species, and the formation of a protective biofilm.The M2 lesion can cause discomfort and lameness in affected cows.Hyperkeratotic (Warty) Stage:Stage 3: M3 Lesion - The M3 lesion is characterized by the enlargementand extension of the M2 lesion. It becomes more severe, larger, and morepainful for the cow. The skin may become ulcerated, and there can be afoul odour associated with the infection. The M3 lesion is covered with athick, greyish, foul-smelling discharge. At this stage, the lesion maytransition to the hyperkeratotic stage, where the skin becomes thickenedand wart-like.Stage 4: M4 Lesion - In the hyperkeratotic stage, the M4 lesionbecomes more severe, extending deeper into the tissues. The M4 lesionis typically painful and causes significant lameness in affected cows.The skin becomes thickened, rough, and warty in appearance. It mayinvolve deeper tissues such as the digital cushion and can lead tosevere swelling and inflammation.Call 0818 30 30 81Products, Programmes & Solutions for Hoof Care Challenges

Q: What is digital dermatitis in cows?A: Digital dermatitis, also known as foot rot or hairyheel warts, is a common infectious hoof disease thataffects cattle.Q: How does digital dermatitis affect cows?A: Digital dermatitis causes painful lesions on thehooves of cows, leading to lameness and reducedmobility, which can impact their overall health andproductivity.Q: What are the symptoms of digital dermatitis?A: Symptoms of digital dermatitis in cows includered, painful, and swollen lesions on the skin aroundthe hooves, accompanied by lameness or limping.Q: How is digital dermatitis diagnosed in cows?A: Digital dermatitis is typically diagnosed based onclinical signs and physical examination of the cow'shooves by a veterinarian or trained professional.Q: What causes digital dermatitis in cows?A: Digital dermatitis is primarily caused by bacteria,such as Treponema species, which thrive in moistand dirty environments, making proper hygienecrucial in prevention.Q: How does regular foot bathing help in solvingdigital dermatitis?A: Regular foot bathing with appropriate disinfectantsolutions helps kill bacteria and prevent their growth,reducing the risk of digital dermatitis in cows.1. What is digital dermatitis in cows 2. How does digital dermatitis affect cows?3. What are the symptoms of digital dermatitis?4. How is digital dermatitis diagnosed in cows?5. What causes digital dermatitis in cows?6. How does regular foot bathing help in solvingdigital dermatitis?FAQ’S: DIGITAL DERMATITIS7. How often should cows be foot bathed to preventdigital dermatitis?8. What are the best foot bath solutions to use fortreating digital dermatitis?9. Are there any other preventive measures for digitaldermatitis in cows?10. Can digital dermatitis be completely cured in cowswith regular foot bathing?Q: How often should cows be foot bathed toprevent digital dermatitis?A: It is recommended to foot bathe cows every oneto two weeks, depending on the prevalence of digitaldermatitis and the herd's specific needs.Q: What are the best foot bath solutions to usefor treating digital dermatitis?A: Copper sulphate and formalin are commonly usedfoot bath solutions that have shown effective resultsin treating and preventing digital dermatitis in cows.Q: Are there any other preventive measures fordigital dermatitis in cows?A: Yes, maintaining clean and dry housingconditions, regular hoof trimming, and practicinggood herd management including roadways can alsohelp prevent digital dermatitis in cows.Q: Can digital dermatitis be completely cured incows with regular foot bathing?A: While regular foot bathing can significantly reducethe occurrence and severity of digital dermatitis,complete eradication may not be possible, asreinfection can occur from the environment or carriercows.Call 0818 30 30 81Products, Programmes & Solutions for Hoof Care Challenges