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MATSUYAMA R, ABE N, SATO A, ISHIKURA Y, ISHIKAWA T, OTAKE A, WATANABE R, SUNADOME M, MAKITA K, MURAKAMI T. Evaluating the impact of application of anaerobic bacterial fermentation enhancer on digital dermatitis. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:796-800. [PMID: 38839352 PMCID: PMC11251809 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The control of digital dermatitis (DD) among cattle is crucial; however, effective and environmentally-sound control measures have yet to be identified. From the monitoring data of DD which were recorded during regular hoof trimmings in a farm in Hokkaido, Japan, we detected a decrease in the DD prevalence in a herd where an anaerobic bacterial fermentation enhancer (ABFE) was distributed. The possible effect of ABFE was analyzed using a retrospective repeated cross-sectional design. The prevalence of DD decreased over time in the ABFE-distributed group. Furthermore, a selected regression model indicated the time-dependent enhancement of the decreasing trend. While potential coincidental factors may influence, this study provides a basis for further research on the preventive effect of ABFE against DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota MATSUYAMA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Noritsugu ABE
- Total Herd Management Service, Inc., Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ayano SATO
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yui ISHIKURA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takaaki ISHIKAWA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ayaka OTAKE
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke WATANABE
- Agricultural Research Institute, HOKUREN Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi SUNADOME
- Agricultural Research Institute, HOKUREN Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kohei MAKITA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi MURAKAMI
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
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Roelofs L, Frössling J, Rosander A, Bjerketorp J, Belaghi RA, Hansson I, Frosth S. Digital dermatitis in Swedish dairy herds assessed by ELISA targeting Treponema phagedenis in bulk tank milk. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:168. [PMID: 38698418 PMCID: PMC11064309 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious hoof infection affecting cattle worldwide. The disease causes lameness and a reduction in animal welfare, which ultimately leads to major decreases in milk production in dairy cattle. The disease is most likely of polymicrobial origin with Treponema phagedenis and other Treponema spp. playing a key role; however, the etiology is not fully understood. Diagnosis of the disease is based on visual assessment of the feet by trained hoof-trimmers and veterinarians, as a more reliable diagnostic method is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on bulk tank milk samples testing for the presence of T. phagedenis antibodies as a proxy to assess herd prevalence of DD in Swedish dairy cattle herds. RESULTS Bulk tank milk samples were collected in 2013 from 612 dairy herds spread across Sweden. A nationwide DD apparent prevalence of 11.9% (8.1-14.4% CI95%) was found, with the highest proportion of test-positive herds in the South Swedish regions (31.3%; 19.9-42.4% CI95%). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals an underestimation of DD prevalence based on test results compared to hoof trimming data, highlighting the critical need for a reliable and accurate diagnostic method. Such a method is essential for disease monitoring and the development of effective control strategies. The novelty of ELISA-based diagnostic methods for DD, coupled with the disease's polymicrobial origin, suggests an avenue for improvement. Developing an expanded ELISA, incorporating antigens from various bacterial species implicated in the disease, could enhance diagnostic accuracy. The significance of this study is underscored by the extensive analysis of a substantial sample size (612). Notably, this investigation stands as the largest assessment to date, evaluating the application of ELISA on bulk tank milk for DD diagnosis at the herd level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lex Roelofs
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
| | - Jenny Frössling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 234, Skara, 532 23, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Surveillance and Risk Assessment, Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden
| | - Anna Rosander
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Joakim Bjerketorp
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Reza Arabi Belaghi
- Department of Energy and Technology, Unit of Applied Statistics and Mathematics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7032, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hansson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Sara Frosth
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
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3
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Weber J, Richter S, Freick M. Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of salicylic acid paste with a polyurethane wound dressing for the treatment of digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cows. Res Vet Sci 2019; 125:7-13. [PMID: 31108427 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
There is little evidence of the efficacy of artificial polymers for controlling bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) as a major problem of intensive dairy productions worldwide. We therefore aimed to compare salicylic acid (SA)-based paste with a polyurethane (PU) wound dressing on a German Holstein dairy farm over a maximum 56-d period. On d 0, 109 ft with active BDD lesions from 109 cows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: (1) SA group received a topical SA-containing paste and (2) PU group was treated with a PU wound dressing. Dressing changes were performed according to manufacturer's instructions until clinical cure (transition from active M1 or M2 to non-active M4 or healed M0 stages), whereby a clinical scoring of lesions was additionally conducted. Data from 100 ft could be analyzed (nSA = 54; nPU = 46). There was a significant reduction of the lesion score over time within each group (SA: d 0-d 14; PU: d 0-d 28, p < .05). Score differences between first (d 0) and second (SA: d 7; PU: d 14) as well as between first and third (SA: d 14; PU: d 28) evaluation did not differ significantly (p > .05). The proportion of clinically cured cows was higher in SA than in PU on d 14 (96.3 vs. 32.6%) as well as on d 28 (100 vs. 54.3%) after initial treatment (p < .05). Analysis of survival to cure in a Cox regression model showed that hazard ratio (HR) was higher for SA with PU as baseline (HR: 6.324, 95% CI: 3.625-11.033, p < .05). However, while BDD scores at enrollment did not differ between treatments (p > .05), PU had a significantly lower final BDD score (p < .05). In conclusion, evidence on the efficacy of PU bandages to treat BDD lesions is provided and further studies on bacteriological cure as well as recurrence rates are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Weber
- Veterinary Practice Zettlitz, Zettlitz, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Richter
- HTW Dresden, University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture/Environment/Chemistry, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Freick
- Veterinary Practice Zettlitz, Zettlitz, Germany; HTW Dresden, University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture/Environment/Chemistry, Dresden, Germany
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Ariza JM, Bareille N, Lehebel A, Oberle K, Relun A, Guatteo R. Evaluation of a biocide footbath solution in the occurrence and healing of digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cows: A clinical trial. Prev Vet Med 2019; 163:58-67. [PMID: 30670187 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the implementation of different footbathing practices using a new biocide solution (Pink-Step™, Qalian, France) in the healing and the occurrence of bovine digital dermatitis (bDD) lesions. The investigation was conducted through a controlled within cow clinical trial in which the hind feet of cows from each farm were allocated either to the control group or to a moderate (MR) or (IR) intensive footbath-regimen groups. The trial involved 1036 cows (2072 feet) from 10 dairy farms located in western France where bDD was endemic. Split-footbaths were placed at the exit of the milking parlor of each farm, allowing the biocide to be administered to one side of the cows while using the other empty side as a negative control. The administration frequency for MR was of 2 days/week/1st-month, then 2 days/2 weeks/2nd-month, and then 2 days/month, and for IR was of 2 days/week/1st-2nd months, and then 2 days/2 weeks. Footbaths were administered during 140 days (approx.), and feet were evaluated for the at least once a month in the milking parlor. Nested survival models were used to estimate the relative impact of the footbath regimens and other concomitant risk factors on the time that bDD lesions occurred or healed. No effect of Pink-Step™ was evidenced on the bDD occurrence during the trial. The risk for bDD occurrence was increased by poor feet cleanliness at both the cow (HR 1.69, CI 1.21-2.39) and farm level (HR 2.06, CI 1.44-2.94). Otherwise, the use of Pink-Step™ in an IR was effective in improving the healing of bDD lesions (HR 1.79, CI 1.12-2.88). The time to healing was also improved in inactive lesions (HR 2.19, CI 1.42-3.37). Conversely, the time to healing was delayed in feet receiving hoof-trimming (HR 0.41, CI 0.26-0.62), in cows with a contralateral bDD lesion (HR 0.32, CI 0.22-0.46) or in late lactation (HR 0.61, CI 0.43-0.85), and finally in farms with more than 100 cows (HR 0.48, CI 0.34-0.67). These findings reinforce the crucial role of hygiene in bDD dynamics and highlight the importance of implementing multiple control measures simultaneously, such as hygiene improvements in the barn, early detection and treatment of bDD lesions and the correct usage of individual and collective treatments. The implementation of Pink-Step™ represents a promising strategy for reducing the persistence of bDD lesions in affected herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ariza
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, 44307, France; Qalian, Neovia group, Segré, 49500, France
| | - N Bareille
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, 44307, France
| | - A Lehebel
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, 44307, France
| | - K Oberle
- Qalian, Neovia group, Segré, 49500, France
| | - A Relun
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, 44307, France
| | - R Guatteo
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, 44307, France.
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Demirkan I, Erdoğan M, Demirkan AÇ, Bozkurt F, Altındiş M, Navruz FZ, Köse Z. Isolation and identification of Treponema pedis and Treponema phagedenis-like organisms from bovine digital dermatitis lesions found in dairy cattle in Turkey. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:10317-10326. [PMID: 30219415 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with digital dermatitis (DD) in Turkish dairy cattle was investigated using punch skin biopsy samples from typical clinical lesions; they were collected from dairy farms and abattoirs in 5 different geographical locations in Turkey. Morphological characteristics and flagellation types were examined using a transmission electron microscope, and their enzyme profiles by enzyme activation kits; their catalase reaction characteristics were evaluated by the addition of 3% H2O2. Their phylogenies were identified using 16S rRNA and the results compared with known gene bank data. Bacterial cells were 5.0 to 18.2 µm long, 0.2 to 0.5 µm wide, and their minimum number of periplasmic flagellum was 4 (4:8:4) with a maximum of 8 (8:16:8). All isolates were catalase negative. Of the spirochetes isolated and identified, group I organisms showed close similarity with Treponema pedis (99% genetic homology), whereas those in group II were similar to Treponema phagedenis (98% homology). This is the first report of specific sub-groups of Treponema spp., isolated from Turkish dairy cattle presenting with DD lesions, being associated with this disease; these morphotypes were similar to those found globally in housed dairy cattle units and are probably significant microorganisms associated with the aetiopathogensis of this infectious disease causing acute bovine lameness. These results suggest that the distribution of DD-associated treponemes is not specific to particular geographic regions of Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Demirkan
- Department of Surgery, Afyon, 03200, Turkey.
| | - M Erdoğan
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Afyon, 03200, Turkey
| | | | - F Bozkurt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, 03200, Turkey
| | - M Altındiş
- Department of Clinical Virology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, 54200, Turkey
| | - F Zemheri Navruz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Bartin University, Bartin, 74100, Turkey
| | - Z Köse
- Laboratory of Diagnostics and Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, 03200, Turkey
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6
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Jacobs C, Orsel K, Mason S, Barkema HW. Comparison of effects of routine topical treatments in the milking parlor on digital dermatitis lesions. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:5255-5266. [PMID: 29573803 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD), an infectious bacterial disease affecting the feet of dairy cattle, can cause lameness and decrease milk production, fertility, and animal welfare. Current DD treatment typically involves routine hoof trimming and topical antibiotics. Several nonantibiotic commercial topical products are used for controlling DD lesions; however, there is limited or no evidence regarding their effectiveness. The objectives of this study were to evaluate 2 commercially available topical applications on their ability to (1) clinically cure active DD lesions to nonactive lesions and (2) prevent recurrence of active DD lesions. Ten farms were visited weekly. In the milking parlor, the hind feet of lactating cattle were cleaned and scored (M-stage scoring system). Cattle with DD lesions at the first visit were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups: positive control (tetracycline solution), HealMax (AgroChem Inc., Saratoga Springs, NY), HoofSol (Diamond Hoof Care Ltd., Intracare BV, Veghel, the Netherlands), and a negative control (saline). All products were applied to lesions using a spray bottle. Tetracycline, HealMax, and HoofSol had a higher probability of clinical cure for active lesions compared with saline 1 wk after the first treatment (wk 1), with 69, 52, and 79% clinical cure of active lesions, respectively, compared with 34% with saline. At wk 7, the probability of clinical cure for active lesions was 10, 33, 31, and 45% of lesions treated weekly with saline, tetracycline, HealMax, and HoofSol, respectively (no difference among treatments). The substantial clinical cure with saline highlighted the potential importance of cleaning feet. In wk 1, treatment with saline, tetracycline, HealMax, and HoofSol resulted in a probability of recurrence of active DD lesions of 9, 11, 11, and 8%, respectively, with no product being superior to saline. After 7 wk, the probability of recurrence of active lesions was 5, 7, 6, and 6% for saline, tetracycline, HealMax, and HoofSol respectively, with no difference among groups in wk 7. These results provide alternatives to antibiotics for treatment of DD lesions and highlight the potential importance of cleaning feet in the milking parlor.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jacobs
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1.
| | - K Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - S Mason
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1; Farm Animal Care Associates, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L 0T6
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1
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7
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Digital Dermatitis in dairy cattle: The contribution of different disease classes to transmission. Epidemics 2017; 23:76-84. [PMID: 29279186 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital Dermatitis (DD) is a claw disease mainly affecting the hind feet of dairy cattle. Digital Dermatitis is an infectious disease, transmitted via the environment, where the infectious "agent" is a combination of bacteria. The standardized classification for DD lesions developed by Döpfer et al. (1997) and extended by Berry et al. (2012) has six distinct classes: healthy (M0), an active granulomatous area of 0-2 cm (M1), an ulcerative lesion of >2 cm (M2), an ulcerative lesion covered by a scab (M3), alteration of the skin (M4), and a combination of M4 and M1 (M4.1). We hypothesize that classes M1, M2, M3, M4, and M4.1 are the potentially infectious classes that can contribute to the basic reproduction ratio (R0), the average number of new infections caused by a typical infected individual. Here, we determine differences in infectivity between the classes, the sojourn time in each of the classes, and the contribution of each class to R0. The analysis is based on data from twelve farms in the Netherlands that were visited every two weeks, eleven times. We found that 93.89% of the transitions from M0 was observed as a transition to class M4, and feet with another class-at-infection rapidly transitioned to class M4. As a consequence, about 70% of the infectious time was spent in class M4. Transmission rate parameters of class-at-infection M1, M2, M3, and M4 were not significantly different from each other, but differed from class-at-infection M4.1. However, due to the relative large amount of time spend in class M4, regardless of the class-at-infection, R0 was almost completely determined by this class. The R0 was 2.36, to which class-at-infection M4 alone contributed 88.5%. Thus, M4 lesions should be prevented to lower R0 to a value below one, while painful M2 lesions should be prevented for animal welfare reasons.
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8
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Capion N, Larsson EK, Nielsen OL. A clinical and histopathological comparison of the effectiveness of salicylic acid to a compound of inorganic acids for the treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:1325-1333. [PMID: 29224873 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful infectious disease, causing lameness, reduced animal welfare, and production losses in dairy herds. The main factors contributing to DD are an infection with Treponema spp. and poor hygiene. Topical treatment has primarily consisted of antibiotics; however, the demand for effective nonantibiotic alternatives is increasing. The objective was to evaluate the performance of 3 nonantibiotic topical treatments (salicylic acid and a compound of inorganic acids in a 20% solution and in a dry form) on DD in a commercial dairy herd. Within the 30-d test period, 42 DD lesions on 33 Holstein cows were assigned to receive 1 of the 3 treatments. Lesions were biopsied before and after treatment and were clinically evaluated 5 times. Improved lesions were clinically defined as either healed (regeneration of the skin) or healing (dry lesions covered by a scab). Unhealed lesions were defined as either active [with a raw, moist, strawberry-like (granulating) surface] or mature (with a raised papillomatous appearance). The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated histopathologically using the following scores: 0 (no spirochetes present), 1 (small number of spirochetes present in the epidermis), 2 (moderate number of spirochetes present and reaching an intermediary level in the epidermis), and 3 (large number of spirochetes present and reaching the deepest part of the epidermis or the superficial dermis). The improvement rate was 10/14 (71%) for salicylic acid, 11/15 (73%) for the inorganic acid solution, and 8/13 (62%) for the inorganic acid powder. The analysis showed no difference among treatments. The association between clinical score and histopathological score was determined by an odds ratio. The odds ratio of a healed lesion having spirochetes in the epidermis was 0.58 and that of an active DD lesion having spirochetes in the epidermis was 26.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Capion
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegaard Alle 5, DK-2630 Taastrup, Denmark.
| | | | - O L Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Plummer PJ, Krull A. Clinical Perspectives of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy and Beef Cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2017; 33:165-181. [PMID: 28579041 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital dermatitis is a polybacterial disease process of dairy and beef cattle. Lesions are most commonly identified on the plantar aspect of the interdigital cleft of the hind limbs. Treponema spp are routinely present in large numbers of active lesions. Lesions are painful to the touch and can result in clinical lameness. The infectious nature generally results in endemic infection of cattle herds and management requires a comprehensive and integrated multipronged approach. This article provides current perspectives regarding management and treatment of digital dermatitis on dairy and beef cattle operations and provides a review for clinicians dealing with a clinical outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Plummer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA USA.
| | - Adam Krull
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA USA
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10
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Jacobs C, Orsel K, Mason S, Gray K, Barkema H. Comparison of the efficacy of a commercial footbath product with copper sulfate for the control of digital dermatitis. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:5628-5641. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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11
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Solano L, Barkema HW, Pickel C, Orsel K. Effectiveness of a standardized footbath protocol for prevention of digital dermatitis. J Dairy Sci 2016; 100:1295-1307. [PMID: 27939539 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A footbath is the most common herd-level approach to control digital dermatitis (DD) in intensive dairy farming. However, wide variation in footbath design and protocols suggests a gap between evidence-based management practices and on-farm implementation. The objective was to evaluate effectiveness of a standardized footbath protocol in decreasing prevalence of active DD lesions in lactating dairy cattle. The protocol was based on current scientific literature, including footbath design and management. The M-stage classification system was used to score DD lesions. Scores were also combined into a simplified scoring system: no lesions (M0), active lesions (M1, M2, and M4.1), and chronic lesions (M3 and M4). A controlled intervention trial was conducted on 9 farms over 22 wk. Each farm served as its own control with data collected for 10 wk before and 12 wk after intervention. A total of 1,978 lactating cattle were assessed biweekly for DD lesions and leg cleanliness in the milking parlor. Lactating cattle were also inspected in the trimming chute at 3 time points: start, intervention, and end of trial. Intervention consisted of implementing an automated footbath that measured 3 m long, 0.50 m wide, held a fluid depth of 0.15 m, along with a weekly footbath protocol using 5% CuSO4 for 4 consecutive milkings, with footbath content replaced at a maximum of 200 cow passes. Multilevel logistic regression models for repeated measures were used to evaluate effects of the standardized footbath protocol in preventing active DD lesions. For the purpose of analysis, farms' within-herd prevalence of active DD lesions (at baseline) was assessed and categorized as low (<15%) or high (≥15%). Farms with low or high within-herd prevalence of active DD lesions at trial outset had a mean cow-level prevalence of active DD lesions of 8% (range, 2 to 13) and 31% (range, 18 to 43), respectively. At milking parlor inspections, apparent prevalence of active DD lesions decreased from the time of footbath intervention, but this effect interacted with the farms' baseline prevalence of active DD lesions. In that regard, on farms with high prevalence of active DD at baseline, apparent prevalence of active DD lesions decreased after intervention, whereas on farms with low prevalence of active DD at baseline, apparent prevalence of active DD lesions did not change. At the cow level, poor leg cleanliness was associated with higher prevalence of active DD lesions. At trimming chute inspections, prevalence of active DD lesions decreased from start to the end of the trial (22 and 14%, respectively); concurrently, prevalence of feet with no DD lesions (M0) increased (39 and 48%). We concluded that on farms with high DD prevalence, implementation of proper footbath design and improvement of footbathing management will decrease prevalence of active DD lesions and increase prevalence of feet without DD lesions. In addition, improving cow cleanliness will further result in control of active DD lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Solano
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1.
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - C Pickel
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - K Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
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12
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Solano L, Barkema HW, Jacobs C, Orsel K. Validation of the M-stage scoring system for digital dermatitis on dairy cows in the milking parlor. J Dairy Sci 2016; 100:1592-1603. [PMID: 27889123 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A high prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD) and the benefits of early topical treatment highlight the need for simple tools for routine DD detection. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of scoring DD lesions using the 5 M-stage scoring system in the milking parlor compared with the trimming chute as the gold standard. Three observers inspected 3,585 cows and 6,991 hind feet from 9 farms in the milking parlor using a mirror (glued to a plastic kitchen spatula) and a headlamp, followed by inspection in a trimming chute within 5 d. Interobserver agreement for scoring DD in various settings was ≥82% (kappa >0.74; weighted kappa >0.76). At trimming chute inspections, 68% of cows had at least 1 DD lesion, 19% had 1 hind leg affected, and 49% had both hind legs affected. Within-herd DD prevalence ranged from 16 to 81% of cows affected. True within-herd prevalence was 2, 6, 0, 36, and 14% for M1, M2, M3, M4, and M4.1 lesions, respectively. At the foot level, DD prevalence was the same (58%) in the milking parlor and trimming chute inspection, but distribution of M-stages differed. Milking parlor inspection as a means of identifying the presence of DD lesions had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 88%, with positive and negative predictive values of 91 and 89%, respectively. Agreement between milking parlor and trimming chute inspections was 73% (kappa = 0.59, weighted kappa = 0.65) for the 5 M-stage scoring system and 90% (kappa = 0.80) if only the presence of a lesion was noted. Test characteristics varied greatly among M-stages, with the highest sensitivity for detecting M4 (82%) and M2 (62%) lesions, and the lowest for detecting M4.1 (20%), M1 (7%), and M3 (0%) lesions. In the milking parlor, 20% of M2 lesions were misclassified as M4.1, 8% of M4 lesions were misclassified as M0, and 68% of M4.1 lesions were misclassified as M4. The majority (87%) of DD lesions were located between the heel bulbs; 10 and 2% of DD lesions affected the interdigital space and the front of the foot, respectively. The sensitivity to detect the presence of a lesion when it occurred between the heel bulbs was 93%, but <67% if it occurred elsewhere on the foot. We concluded that inspection of the rear feet in the milking parlor was an inexpensive and simple method of detecting and scoring DD lesions. If the objective is to determine herd-level DD prevalence and routine monitoring, this method was adequately reliable. However, if the objective is to follow up DD in cows with history of interdigital hyperplasia or to detect M1 or M4.1 lesions, this method was not sufficiently reliable. Although DD scoring in the milking parlor as a routine practice should facilitate early detection, prompt treatment interventions, and herd monitoring, it was not sufficiently reliable to replace definitive identification of M-stages in the trimming chute.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Solano
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - C Jacobs
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - K Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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13
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Schöpke K, Gomez A, Dunbar KA, Swalve HH, Döpfer D. Investigating the genetic background of bovine digital dermatitis using improved definitions of clinical status. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:8164-74. [PMID: 26364113 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is an increasing claw health problem in all cattle production systems worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of an improved scoring of the clinical status for DD via M-scores accounting for the dynamics of the disease; that is, the transitions from one stage to another. The newly defined traits were then subjected to a genetic analysis to determine the genetic background for susceptibility to DD. Data consisted of 6,444 clinical observations from 729 Holstein heifers in a commercial dairy herd, collected applying the M-score system. The M-score system is a classification scheme for stages of DD that allows a macroscopic scoring based on clinical inspections of the bovine foot, thus it describes the stages of lesion development. The M-scores were used to define new DD trait definitions with different complexities. Linear mixed models and logistic models were used to identify fixed environmental effects and to estimate variance components. In total, 68% of all observations showed no DD status, whereas 11% were scored as infectious for and affected by DD, and 21% of all observations exhibited an affected but noninfectious status. For all traits, the probability of occurrence and clinical status were associated with age at observation and period of observation. Risk of becoming infected increased with age, and month of observation significantly affected all traits. Identification of the optimal month concerning DD herd status was consistent for all trait definitions; the last month of the trial was identified. In contrast, months exhibiting the highest least squares means of transformed scores differed depending on trait definition. In this respect, traits that can distinguish between healthy, infectious, and noninfectious stages of DD can account for the infectious potential of the herd and can serve as an alert tool. Estimates of heritabilities of traits studied ranged between 0.19 (±0.11) and 0.52 (±0.17), revealing a tendency for higher values for more complex trait definitions. In terms of genetic selection, all trait definitions identified the best (i.e., most resistant) animals, but only the new trait definitions were able to distinguish between animals with average and high predispositions for DD. Considering repeated measurements resulted in heritability estimates ranging between 0.13 (±0.05) and 0.29 (±0.10).
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schöpke
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, University of Halle, 06099 Halle, Germany
| | - A Gomez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison 53706-1102
| | - K A Dunbar
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison 53706-1102
| | - H H Swalve
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, University of Halle, 06099 Halle, Germany.
| | - D Döpfer
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison 53706-1102
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14
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Wilson-Welder JH, Alt DP, Nally JE. The etiology of digital dermatitis in ruminants: recent perspectives. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2015; 6:155-164. [PMID: 30101102 PMCID: PMC6070020 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s62072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial polymicrobial infectious disease originally described in dairy cattle, but is increasingly recognized in beef cattle, sheep, and more recently, elk and goats. Clinical bovine lesions typically appear on the plantar surface of the hind foot from the interdigital space and heel bulb to the accessory digits, with a predilection for skin–horn junctions. Lesions present as a painful ulcerative acute or chronic inflammatory process with differing degrees of severity. This variability reflects disease progression and results in a number of different clinical descriptions with overlapping pathologies that ultimately have a related bacterial etiology. The goal of this review article is to provide a concise overview of our current understanding on digital dermatitis disease to facilitate clinical recognition, our current understanding on the causative agents, and recent advances in our understanding of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA,
| | - David P Alt
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA,
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA,
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15
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Sullivan LE, Evans NJ, Blowey RW, Grove-White DH, Clegg SR, Duncan JS, Carter SD. A molecular epidemiology of treponemes in beef cattle digital dermatitis lesions and comparative analyses with sheep contagious ovine digital dermatitis and dairy cattle digital dermatitis lesions. Vet Microbiol 2015; 178:77-87. [PMID: 25937315 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an infective foot disease commonly reported in dairy cattle where Treponema are considered as the primary causative infectious agents. There still remains little definitive information on the etiology of BDD in beef cattle suggesting further investigations are warranted. Beef BDD lesions (n=34) and healthy beef foot tissues (n=38) were analysed by PCR for three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups and also for Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Spirochete culture was attempted on all BDD lesion samples. One or more BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups were detected in 100% of beef BDD lesions. "Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like", "Treponema phagedenis-like" and Treponema pedis spirochetes were identified in 27/34 (79%), 31/34 (91%) and 24/34 (71%) of BDD lesions, respectively. No BDD-associated treponeme DNA was amplified from beef healthy foot tissues. D. nodosus and F. necrophorum were present in 24/34 (71%) and 15/34 (44%) of lesions and 10/38 (26%) and 12/38 (32%) of healthy foot tissues, respectively. Twenty spirochetes were isolated from beef BDD lesions; 19 were representatives of the three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups. One spirochete isolate shared less than 97% 16S rRNA gene similarity to the three cultivable BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups and therefore may represent a novel taxa of Treponema. Upon comparison, sheep contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD), dairy cattle and beef cattle BDD lesions appear to have extremely similar bacteriological data and therefore provides evidence of a shared etiopathogenesis posing concerns for cross-species transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Sullivan
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of infection and Global Health, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5RF, UK.
| | - N J Evans
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of infection and Global Health, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5RF, UK
| | - R W Blowey
- University of Liverpool & Wood Veterinary Group, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 4NB UK
| | - D H Grove-White
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK
| | - S R Clegg
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of infection and Global Health, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5RF, UK
| | - J S Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK
| | - S D Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of infection and Global Health, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5RF, UK
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16
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Lim P, Huxley J, Willshire J, Green M, Othman A, Kaler J. Unravelling the temporal association between lameness and body condition score in dairy cattle using a multistate modelling approach. Prev Vet Med 2015; 118:370-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Fjeldaas T, Knappe-Poindecker M, Bøe KE, Larssen RB. Water footbath, automatic flushing, and disinfection to improve the health of bovine feet. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:2835-46. [PMID: 24612817 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Disinfecting footbaths are used to treat and prevent interdigital dermatitis (ID) and heel horn erosion (HHE). However, many disinfectants are disadvantageous for the environment and, as an alternative, washing of the feet has been introduced. Our aim was to investigate the effect of water footbaths (trial 1), footbaths with CuSO4 (trial 2), automatic water flushing (trial 3), and water flushing followed by disinfection with a glutaraldehyde-based compound (trial 4) in 4 randomized controlled clinical trials performed in a freestall dairy herd of approximately 45 Norwegian Red cows. At trimming before and after each trial, hind foot diseases, hardness of the claw horn (in D-units), locomotion, and cleanliness of the claws were recorded. Before each trial, the cows were divided in comparable study and control groups, based on prevalence of ID and HHE, parity, and days in milk. Using a transponder-regulated gate, the study groups were led through a footbath (trials 1 and 2) or an automatic washer (trials 3 and 4), whereas the control groups were left untreated. Each trial lasted 3 mo and the curative effect in diseased cows and the preventive effect in cows with healthy feet on ID, HHE, and ID + HHE were analyzed. In trial 2, a preventive effect of CuSO4 on HHE compared with the untreated cows was observed. During trial 1, 100% (11/11) of the treated cows with ID got better and 22% (2/9) without ID became diseased, whereas 92% (11/12) of the treated cows with ID + HHE got better and 38% (3/8) without ID + HHE became diseased. During trial 2, 69% (9/13) of the treated cows with ID got better and 11% (1/9) without ID became diseased. During trial 4, 19% (3/16) of the untreated cows with ID + HHE got better and 71% (5/7) without ID + HHE became diseased. In trial 3, no significant effects on ID, HHE, or ID + HHE were revealed. In trial 2 (CuSO4), the treated cows' claw horn was harder after the trial compared with the controls (D-unit difference: 13.25). In trial 3 (stationary water flushing) the treated cows' claw horn was softer after the trial when compared with the controls (D-unit difference: -15.66). The CuSO4 footbaths were useful to prevent HHE and indicate that automatic stationary flushing with only water had no beneficial effect on ID or HHE. The claw horn of cows walking through CuSO4 became harder and the claw horn of cows that had their hind feet flushed with water became softer compared with the controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fjeldaas
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - M Knappe-Poindecker
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - K E Bøe
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - R B Larssen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway
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18
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Temporal associations between low body condition, lameness and milk yield in a UK dairy herd. Prev Vet Med 2014; 113:63-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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19
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Cutler J, Cramer G, Walter J, Millman S, Kelton D. Randomized clinical trial of tetracycline hydrochloride bandage and paste treatments for resolution of lesions and pain associated with digital dermatitis in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:7550-7. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Sullivan LE, Carter SD, Blowey R, Duncan JS, Grove-White D, Evans NJ. Digital dermatitis in beef cattle. Vet Rec 2013; 173:582. [PMID: 24106250 DOI: 10.1136/vr.101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L E Sullivan
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of infection and Global Health, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5RF, UK
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21
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Oikonomou G, Cook N, Bicalho R. Sire predicted transmitting ability for conformation and yield traits and previous lactation incidence of foot lesions as risk factors for the incidence of foot lesions in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:3713-22. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Relun A, Lehebel A, Chesnin A, Guatteo R, Bareille N. Association between digital dermatitis lesions and test-day milk yield of Holstein cows from 41 French dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:2190-2200. [PMID: 23415520 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the association between digital dermatitis (DD) lesions and test-day milk yield (TDY) in dairy cows, taking into account the severity of the lesions. Data were collected for 6 mo on 47 French dairy farms endemically affected by DD and involved in a clinical trial aiming to assess the effectiveness of collective treatments against DD. The hind feet of all lactating cows were scored for DD by 14 trained investigators on a monthly basis using a 4-point M-stage scoring system (M0 to M4, M standing for Mortellaro). The DD status was defined in 3 categories at the animal level: no DD [scores of M0 and (or) M4 on both feet], moderate case (score of M1 on 1 or both feet and no M2 score), and severe case (score of M2 on 1 or both feet). All monthly TDY in the lactation were collected. The final complete data set included 7,599 TDY of 1,782 Holstein cows from 41 herds. The effect of DD lesions on the following TDY (i.e., within 30 d after detection of a DD lesion) was analyzed separately for primiparous and multiparous cows, using mixed-models ANOVA, with TDY as repeated measures. During the trial, 38% of the primiparous and 41% of the multiparous cows were observed at least once with a DD lesion (moderate or severe case), the cows being observed with a DD lesion, on average, for 2 consecutive visits. Milk yield decreased significantly for cows diagnosed with a DD lesion. Primiparous cows produced, on average, 0.63 kg/d less when DD was moderate and 0.50 kg/d less when the disease was severe, compared with unaffected cows. Multiparous cows produced, on average, 0.50 kg/d less when DD was moderate and 0.75 kg/d less when the disease was severe, compared with unaffected cows. These results confirm that DD lesions have a significant effect on the milk yield of dairy cows, including when animals are rigorously treated. Milk yield losses, thus, should be considered when evaluating the costs and benefits of DD control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Relun
- French Livestock Institute, Department of Welfare, Health, Traceability, Hygiene, 149 rue de Bercy, F-75595 Paris, France; INRA, UMR1300 Biologie Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risques en Santé Animale, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - A Lehebel
- INRA, UMR1300 Biologie Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risques en Santé Animale, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - A Chesnin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biologie Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risques en Santé Animale, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - R Guatteo
- INRA, UMR1300 Biologie Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risques en Santé Animale, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France.
| | - N Bareille
- INRA, UMR1300 Biologie Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risques en Santé Animale, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
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Relun A, Lehebel A, Bruggink M, Bareille N, Guatteo R. Estimation of the relative impact of treatment and herd management practices on prevention of digital dermatitis in French dairy herds. Prev Vet Med 2013; 110:558-62. [PMID: 23369719 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to concurrently estimate the effect of different digital dermatitis (DD) treatment regimens and herd management practices on the occurrence of a new DD lesion. A controlled clinical trial was conducted and involved 4678 dairy cows from 52 French dairy farms where DD was endemic. Farms were allocated by minimisation to one of 4 treatment regimens, varying through the mode (footbath or collective spraying) and the frequency of application (2 days every 4 weeks or fortnightly). They were visited 7 times every 4 weeks by 14 trained investigators. Frailty Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the relative effect of potential risk factors and treatment practices on the time until the first occurrence of a DD lesion. At herd level, high initial DD prevalence strongly increased the risk for DD occurrence (HR=1.93, CI 1.23-3.04), as well as absence of hoof-trimming (HR=1.75, CI 1.36-2.27) and poor leg cleanliness (HR=2.44, CI 1.80-3.31). At animal level, Holstein breed (HR=1.92, CI 1.35-3.57) and high-productive cows (HR=1.26, CI 1.01-1.56) were identified to be at higher risk for DD compared to Normande breed and low-productive cows, respectively. Compared to individual topical antibiotic treatments alone, collective treatments tended to decrease the risk of DD occurrence only when applied over 2 days at least every fortnight (HR range=0.64-0.73).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Relun
- French Livestock Institute, Department Welfare, Health, Traceability, Hygiene, 149 rue de Bercy, Paris F-75595, France
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