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Also know as: '''''Scald — Slurry Heel — Stable Footrot'''''

Also know as: '''''Scald — Slurry Heel — Stable Footrot'''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Interdigital dermatitis is caused by the anaerobic bacteria, ''[[Dichelobacter nodosus]]''.  

Interdigital dermatitis is caused by the anaerobic bacteria, ''[[Dichelobacter nodosus]]''.  

Interdigital dermatitis appears to be endemic in most countries wherever cattle are densely concentrated. Reports on the prevalence of the disease have come from the UK, Netherlands, and various other European countries. The condition is also recorded in Australasia and Argentina (Rutter, 1984) and it was identified in Canada by Hanna et al. (1994).

Interdigital dermatitis appears to be endemic in most countries wherever cattle are densely concentrated. Reports on the prevalence of the disease have come from the UK, Netherlands, and various other European countries. The condition is also recorded in Australasia and Argentina (Rutter, 1984) and it was identified in Canada by Hanna et al. (1994).

==Description==

==Description==

ID is a mild superficial infection of the skin between the claws. In most instances, ID is a benign condition rarely causing lameness and is not associated with a drop in milk yield, loss of body condition, or increase in body temperature.

ID is a mild superficial infection of the skin between the claws. In most instances, ID is a benign condition rarely causing lameness and is not associated with a drop in milk yield, loss of body condition, or increase in body temperature.

There is a low incidence of ID in cattle at pasture. However, infection can build up wherever the traffic in cattle is high. As the climatic conditions deteriorate in the autumn, the prevalence of the disease increases. ID is particularly prevalent when the feet of cattle are continuously bathed in slurry and is commonest during cold winter months, therefore by late winter some animals may be showing discomfort and pain-producing lesions may be observed.

There is a low incidence of ID in cattle at pasture. However, infection can build up wherever the traffic in cattle is high. As the climatic conditions deteriorate in the autumn, the prevalence of the disease increases. ID is particularly prevalent when the feet of cattle are continuously bathed in slurry and is commonest during cold winter months, therefore by late winter some animals may be showing discomfort and pain-producing lesions may be observed.

After a time, during which the animal has avoided bearing weight on the heel, the horn beneath the heel will increase in thickness.

After a time, during which the animal has avoided bearing weight on the heel, the horn beneath the heel will increase in thickness.

Finally, chronic irritation of the skin between the claws of dairy cows is the commonest cause of corns (fibroma) developing on one side of the space.

Finally, chronic irritation of the skin between the claws of dairy cows is the commonest cause of corns (fibroma) developing on one side of the space.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Cattle of any age, breed or sex are predisposed to this condition.

Cattle of any age, breed or sex are predisposed to this condition.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

There may be an ‘under-running’ of the hoof on close examination and a grey exudates which has formed a scab in the interdigital space, will be one of the first signs of the condition. Later the area may also be abscessed, brittle or cracked. There will be a foul odour from the foot.

There may be an ‘under-running’ of the hoof on close examination and a grey exudates which has formed a scab in the interdigital space, will be one of the first signs of the condition. Later the area may also be abscessed, brittle or cracked. There will be a foul odour from the foot.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Laboratory diagnostic tools include the identification of ''Dichelobacter nodosus'' by [[immunofluorescence]] technology from smears of lesions.

Laboratory diagnostic tools include the identification of ''Dichelobacter nodosus'' by [[immunofluorescence]] technology from smears of lesions.

==Treatment and Control==

==Treatment and Control==

There is no vaccine currently available for cattle with this condition.

There is no vaccine currently available for cattle with this condition.

==References==

==References==