Med. Weter. 81
full text
| PAULINA KAŹMIERCZAK., GRACJAN WOŹNIAK., KAROLINA BIELIŃSKA., JĘDRZEJ M. JAŚKOWSKI |
| Digital Dermatitis in Cattle: Emphasis on Non-Antibiotic Treatment Methods |
| Digital dermatitis (DD), also known as Mortellaro’s disease, is a dermatological condition affecting the bovine digit, characterized by painful inflammatory lesions that result in substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. Despite extensive research, effective treatment and long-term prevention of DD remain challenging. Standard therapeutic approaches include claw trimming, lesion debridement topical or systemic antibiotics, and prophylactic disinfectant footbaths. Recent studies suggest that several non-antibiotic treatment methods show promising therapeutic potential. The efficacy of salicylic acid (SA) and a gel containing chelated copper and zinc (IHF) has been found to be comparable to antibiotics such as tetracycline. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) demonstrates antibacterial activity similar to lincomycin, though it may increase pain perception. Other agents, including sodium alginate (ALG) and honey, support lesion healing of DD lesions, though their effectiveness as standalone treatments appears limited. The adoption of alternative therapies aligns with the “One Health” approach and contributes to reducing antibiotic use in cattle farming. While treatments involving SA, IHF, and AITC appear promising, further research is required to confirm their efficacy and to develop long-term therapeutic strategies. |
| Key words: digital dermatitis, cattle, non-antibiotic treatments, One Health, dairy farming |