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. In this recorded webinar, UW-Madison Extension Regional Dairy Educator Aerica Bjurstrom discusses the following in the prevention and control of digital dermatitis within the dairy herd:

• The importance of footbaths
• Proper foot bath design
• Proper footbath solution management 

To learn more regarding hoof health, visit UW-Madison Extension Dairy Program at https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu/, including the Footbath management , Use of footbaths in an automated milking system to lower fetchings, , and The ideal footbath factsheets, or UW-School of Veterinary Medicine Dairyland Initiative’s Lameness Module at https://thedairylandinitiative.vetmed.wisc.edu/.