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Published on: September 27, 2017
Bovine digital dermatitis in Victoria, Australia
J Hesseling1, A R Legione2, M A Stevenson3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Digital dermatitis (DD) affects nearly 30% of cows in Victoria, Australia, with higher prevalence in dairy herds. Treponema species are significantly associated with DD lesions, indicating their role in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Bovine Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Digital dermatitis (DD) is an important infectious foot disease in cattle.
- Limited data exists on DD prevalence and causative agents in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD) in Victorian cattle.
- To identify microbial organisms associated with DD lesions in Australia.
Main Methods:
- Cattle limbs were examined and sampled at three Victorian knackeries.
- DNA was extracted from skin biopsies for microbial diversity profiling.
- Histochemical staining was performed on selected samples.
Main Results:
- DD was detected in 29.8% of examined cows, significantly higher in dairy (32.2%) than beef (10.8%) cattle.
- Treponema species abundance increased significantly in dried DD lesions.
- Distinct microbial profiles (Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Tenericutes) were observed in DD lesions compared to normal skin.
Conclusions:
- Digital dermatitis is prevalent in Victoria, Australia.
- Treponema species are significantly associated with digital dermatitis lesions.
- Further research into specific pathogens and treatment strategies is warranted.
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