The assocation between footbath management and digital dermatitis in dairy cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify whether the use and management of a footbath is a risk factor for digital dermatitis in 51 dairy farms located in the province of Alberta, Canada. Digital dermatitis lesion were recorded by trained hoof trimmers using the Hoof Supervisor® system. Information about the footbath management was collected through a questionnaire with the farmer. Odds ratios were calculated for the factors frequency of use, frequency of changing contents, sizes of the footbath and using products other than formaldehyde and/or copper sulfate. None of these factor could be determined as risk factors for digital dermatitis, due to small sample sizes and too much variation in footbath sizes and management. Since there was no consistency in the management of footbaths, this should be the focus of further research. Clear and understandable baselines for footbath management should be established and producers should be made aware of proper use of footbaths.