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Digital dermatitis present on sheep and cattle hoof blades
Horse having hoof trimmed
Digital dermatitis was found on 100 per cent of sheep blades.
Research uncovers a possible method of bacteria transfer between cows

New research has revealed a possible method for the transfer of digital dermatitis (DD) between cows and farms.

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered that DD was present on hoof knives used on cattle and sheep following trimming.

The project investigated if DD Treponeme, the bacteria type now widely accepted as responsible for the skin infection, can be present on equipment used to trim hooves. Digital dermatitis is an ulcerative lesion that causes lameness in cattle. It is known that this bacteria causes skin infection by entering into the hair follicle but less is known about how the bacteria survives and is transmitted in the environment.

The research team, led by Dr Nicholas Evans and Professor Stuart Carter of the University of Liverpool in collaboration with veterinarian Roger Blowey, tested trimming equipment used on cattle and sheep with digital dermatitis before and after it was disinfected. After trimming, DD was present on 97 per cent of cattle blades and 100 per cent of sheep blades. This was reduced to 29 per cent and 46 per cent respectively after disinfection.

Dr Evans said; "It has long been considered that digital dermatitis was spread in slurry, which we have some evidence for and are continuing to investigate, but now, for the first time, we have discovered the digital dermatitis bugs in the farm environment. However, the high detection rate of digital dermatitis bacteria on trimming blades soon after trimming cattle and sheep hooves from DD cases suggests this may be a significant and worrying route for the transmission of this infectious condition."

Dr Jenny Gibbons, DairyCo research and development manager, added: “This DairyCo and EBLEX-funded study could help farmers, vets and hoof trimmers to understand more about the transmission of digital dermatitis between cows and farms. A logical precaution to limit the spread is to disinfect hoof trimming equipment between animals and between farms.”

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."