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Digital dermatitis present on sheep and cattle hoof blades
Horse having hoof trimmed
Digital dermatitis was found on 100 per cent of sheep blades.
Research uncovers a possible method of bacteria transfer between cows

New research has revealed a possible method for the transfer of digital dermatitis (DD) between cows and farms.

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered that DD was present on hoof knives used on cattle and sheep following trimming.

The project investigated if DD Treponeme, the bacteria type now widely accepted as responsible for the skin infection, can be present on equipment used to trim hooves. Digital dermatitis is an ulcerative lesion that causes lameness in cattle. It is known that this bacteria causes skin infection by entering into the hair follicle but less is known about how the bacteria survives and is transmitted in the environment.

The research team, led by Dr Nicholas Evans and Professor Stuart Carter of the University of Liverpool in collaboration with veterinarian Roger Blowey, tested trimming equipment used on cattle and sheep with digital dermatitis before and after it was disinfected. After trimming, DD was present on 97 per cent of cattle blades and 100 per cent of sheep blades. This was reduced to 29 per cent and 46 per cent respectively after disinfection.

Dr Evans said; "It has long been considered that digital dermatitis was spread in slurry, which we have some evidence for and are continuing to investigate, but now, for the first time, we have discovered the digital dermatitis bugs in the farm environment. However, the high detection rate of digital dermatitis bacteria on trimming blades soon after trimming cattle and sheep hooves from DD cases suggests this may be a significant and worrying route for the transmission of this infectious condition."

Dr Jenny Gibbons, DairyCo research and development manager, added: “This DairyCo and EBLEX-funded study could help farmers, vets and hoof trimmers to understand more about the transmission of digital dermatitis between cows and farms. A logical precaution to limit the spread is to disinfect hoof trimming equipment between animals and between farms.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.