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Wooden Tongue (Actinobacillosis) in Cattle: Welfare Guide

Wooden tongue is a bacterial infection causing swelling and hardening of the tongue in cattle. This guide covers welfare impacts and treatment.

Key Facts

Wooden tongue is caused by Actinobacillus lignieresii bacteria
The tongue becomes swollen, hard, and painful, causing difficulty eating
Weight loss and drooling are common signs in affected animals
Lymph nodes in the throat region may also be affected
Sodium iodide treatment is highly effective when given early
Untreated cases cause chronic pain and significant weight loss

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management requires early recognition and prompt treatment. Sodium iodide given intravenously or potassium iodide orally produces rapid improvement in most cases. Pain management during the acute phase improves welfare and encourages eating. Prognosis with early treatment is excellent; chronic cases have reduced treatment success. Soft, palatable feed should be offered during recovery.

What You Can Do

Train stock handlers to recognise early signs of wooden tongue
Seek veterinary attention promptly — early treatment is most effective
Provide soft, palatable feed during and after treatment to support recovery
Report cases to your vet to enable appropriate antibiotic prescription