Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cattle Is Still a Serious Problem in Western Europe

Abstract

Bacterial infections are quite common in dairy cattle, and frequently related to internal organ systems like e.g. respiratory, intestinal and udder infections. Lameness in dairy cattle is mainly caused by both infectious and non-infectious hoof problems and these have different etiological background. At the moment (2018) the major infectious hoof disorders are DD (Digital Dermatitis) and IP (Interdigital Phlegmon). These are all due to infection from the area where dairy cows normally live and more or less intensive contact with "contaminated" manure. This paper gives insight in these different dermatitis problems cows are daily confronted with, with a focus on infectious hoof disorders as a more or less permanent problem in today's dairy farming.