Digital dermatitis is a painful bacterial condition of dairy cattle feet that significantly impacts welfare and is one of the most prevalent lameness causes in UK dairy herds.
Digital dermatitis causes significant pain affecting mobility and daily behaviour including feeding, drinking and social interaction. Chronic or untreated cases develop into severe painful lesions that dramatically reduce quality of life. Early detection through regular foot inspection and prompt treatment is critical for welfare. Herd-wide prevention programmes are more effective than reactive treatment alone.