Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Digital Dermatitis Welfare

Digital dermatitis (Mortellaro's disease) is a highly contagious bacterial infection causing severe lameness that is among the most significant dairy cow welfare problems.

Key Facts

Digital dermatitis is caused by Treponema spirochaete bacteria in warm, moist conditions
It spreads rapidly through herds via contaminated water, soil, and equipment
Clinical lesions cause severe pain causing affected cows to hold feet up and shift weight
Regular antibiotic footbathing controls but rarely eliminates the disease from herds
Good hygiene, biosecurity, and prompt treatment reduce disease prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Digital dermatitis causes intensely painful foot lesions that significantly impair mobility, feeding, and social behaviour. Its highly contagious nature means whole-herd impact is rapid once introduced, making prevention and rapid treatment a high welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Implement regular footbathing programmes appropriate to local digital dermatitis risk
Treat affected cows promptly with topical antibiotics under veterinary guidance
Maintain strict biosecurity to prevent digital dermatitis introduction to disease-free herds