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chronically affected foot that displays the M4 stage in addition to the M1 stage.
It is important to know the dynamics of DD and the differences in DD stages as different approaches are required to tackling each stage. For example footbaths should be used on heifers, dry cows and milking cows daily to keep M0 as M0 long term. However, M1 and M2 DD respond well to early intervention by spot spraying. Ideally all cows’ feet should be washed once a week to identify early stage DD and intervene early. There is no point in starting and stopping footbathing as DD will always flare up again. Even when footbathing all the time, occasionally flare ups will still happen due to, for example, more cows calving or changes in diet When this happens, spot spraying, footbathing frequency and chemical dilution rates can be increased to counteract it.
Chronic M4 DD can harbour high levels of the bacteria that can cause more new acute cases of M2 DD. Even if these cows are not lame they still need to be tackled. Ideally cows with M4 DD should be put into a hoot trimming crush and treated by a qualified person.
It is reported in one experiment by AFBI in 2010 that while Copper Sulphate reduced M2 DD it actually increased M4 DD. This confirms theories that chemicals used at too strong a rate can lead to more chronic DD and, therefore, create a higher reservoir of infection.
Heifers and dry cows
Recent research has shown that DD is starting in dairy young stock from 12 months of age, additionally, heifers affected by DD wear the hooves unevenly and, therefore, are more prone to other conditions such as sole ulcers and white line disease.
Additionally the DD itself, if left untreated, can penetrate deep into the skin on the foot and become an M4 chronic case. The combination of deeply embedded DD and uneven hooves means these dairy heifers are likely to face a lifetime of lameness.
It cannot be overstated how important it Genetics
Research carried out by Liverpool University Vet School has demonstrated that certain cows have a genetic weakness to DD. Essentially in these cows the bacteria can block the cows immune system. So when farmers have good records and they identify certain families of breeding that have higher levels of DD they should avoid using them. Conversely breeding for good health traits, combined with good management and good hygiene can help reduce DD over time.
Case study As part of a drive to use protocols in a large herd, Charlie Weir,
Waringstown, Northern Ireland, who runs 600 cows averaging more than 11,000 litres, agreed a protocol with Provita to reduce levels of digital dermatitis.
Prior to their Provita protocol, the Weirs were using copper sulphate in their footbath three to five times a week, however, they were concerned about levels of copper becoming too high in the soil.
A flare up in DD also occurred at the same time as these results. It was then decided that other options should be considered. At an initial visit by Provita, cow’s feet were scored in the parlour for digital dermatitis prevalence and stage. A protocol was agreed and the
whole farm team committed to it. The protocol entailed spot-spraying affected cows with a 25% Hoofsure Endurance solution once a week with a supplied acid resistant sprayer. Konquest gel and a bandage were applied on more difficult cases. The whole herd were footbathed with a 2% Hoofsure Endurance solution five times a week.
Provita worked closely with the farm by scoring cows feet for digital dermatitis prevalence and stage every two weeks.
Results
As a result of this change in treatment the number of cows with active acute M2 DD was reduced to zero in one month. Also the overall level of DD dropped from 42% to 26% and there were 16% less milkers with DD one month after adopting the protocol. The estimated benefit of this was an extra two litres/cow/day, worth more than £17,500 a year, with improved fertility, body condition and reduced overall lameness.
THE JOURNAL DECEMBER 2014 107
Footbaths should be used on heifers, dry cows and milking cows daily to prevent digital dermatitis
LEFT Each stage of digital dermatitis requires a different approach in treatment.
BELOW Foot bathing regularly with copper sulphate can cause an increase in copper levels in soil.
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is to tackle the problem in heifers. Practical solutions include weekly spot spraying with an acid resistant spot sprayer or incorporating footbaths at the water troughs, although only certain chemicals can be used safely in this system. Also when dry cows are footbathed as well as milking cows, the herd had six times less DD.
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