Digital dermatitis, commonly known as hairy heel warts, is a common infectious foot disease that causes lameness in cattle and often leads to decreased milk production, performance, and fertility in cattle. It has been reported on 70% of all US dairies and 95% of large operations comprising 500 or more cows. 

A comprehensive management approach is needed to combat digital dermatitis effectively. With the adoption of automated milking systems, adjustments to footbath management and facilities are needed. In this recorded webinar, UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Dörte Döpher discusses managing risk factors and adjusting best management practices including facility setup (footbath utilization, walking direction and speed, ease of management of cows in waiting areas around the robotic milking system, and how the gates functions) and stockmanship of cattle in and around the milking system for prevention and control of digital dermatitis in automated milking systems. 

To learn more regarding hoof health, visit UW-Madison Extension Dairy Program at https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu/ or UW-School of Veterinary Medicine Dairyland Initiative’s Lameness Module at https://thedairylandinitiative.vetmed.wisc.edu/.