Left out

When we think about footbath routine we often focus solely on the milking cows. Dry cows and heifers are just as prone to infection, yet they are often left out, which subsequently encourages recurrent flare-ups within the herd.

Heifers that have multiple DD incidents before they calve will give less milk, take longer to get back in-calf and are more at risk of repeat cases of DD than those that remain clear of infection in the rearing period.

Setting up, emptying and cleaning out the footbath is one of the least favored jobs on-farm and a key reason why it often gets missed out of the routine, but even a sort break in footbathing can give digital dermatitis the opportunity to flare up again and we are back to square one.

Lameness expert Sara Pederson who initially inspired one of our customers to introduce a strategic plan says: “Digital dermatitis is the biggest cause of lameness on dairy units. It’s caused by a highly infectious group of bacteria – the Treponemes. Adopting a fire fighting approach and just treating the lame cows won’t bring the issue under control. Adopting the Blitz approach which includes identifying digital dermatitis by washing off cows’ feet, then treating and footbathing through an automatic footbath, is the solution.”

The four-point Blitz approach to controlling digital dermatitis

• Identify all cows with an active or recurring digital dermatitis lesion
• Simultaneously treat all cows with an active or recurring lesion with a licensed topical antibiotic until a thick black scab develops on the lesion
• Prevent lesions by reactivating footbathing at a frequency dependent on infection pressure, and manage slurry in cattle sheds to reduce challenge
• Monitor, every four weeks wash feet off and inspect lesions. If new cases occur or recur, then review the footbathing protocol.