Digital dermatitis in cattle

Part I: factors contributing to the development of digital dermatitis

Abstract

Digital dermatitis or Mortellaro’s disease is a highly prevalent bovine dermatological disorder situated in the foot region that causes lameness and impairs animal welfare. In this first part of a twin paper, the role of genetics, immunity, bacteria and hygiene in the development of this complex disease are described. There is still no consensus regarding the role of the immune system and the typically isolated Treponema spp. in the pathogenesis of digital dermatitis. Moisture and dirt are undoubtedly important for disease transmission in and between dairy farms; furthermore, the genetic component of the disease will be more deeply discussed.