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Some teat sores are caused by virusesMost teat damage in dairy cows is caused by weather-related or milking-induced factors, but some teat sores are caused by viruses. The two usually seen in Australian herds are ‘pseudocowpox’ and a cattle herpes virus. Pseudocowpox leads to a red, angry spot that scabs over. It may spread outwards as it heals in the centre, leaving a ‘horse-shoe’ shaped crusting. Pseudocowpox can also cause nasty red lumps on human hands. Herpes mamillitis gives a number of raw ulcers that are later covered with dark scabs. These viruses are both more likely to infect new animals in a group (usually first calvers, but possibly adults if new cows are brought in). Skin with tiny cracks is most susceptible, so outbreaks are more common in situations where teat skin is already stressed. Teat disinfection can help minimise these outbreaks, not by killing viruses particularly but by improving underlying teat skin condition. Cows with these teat sores are more likely to get mastitis because bacteria can live in the damaged skin and they are uncomfortable and more difficult to milk. Also
remember that blisters and ulcers on teats can be caused by viruses like Foot
and Mouth Disease that we don’t currently have, or want, in "Psuedocowpox - typical horseshoe lesions" "Bovine Herpes Mammillitis" Length: 236 | previous | next | home | |
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