When it comes to health issues on a dairy farm, lameness is usually a main concern along with mastitis and reproductive issues. Lameness includes any abnormality which causes a cow to change the way she walks. It can be caused by a range of foot and leg conditions including foot rot, digital dermatitis, laminitis, and claw disease. Lameness can be influenced by nutrition, disease, genetic influences, management, and environmental factors. Not only does lameness cause pain and distress for dairy cattle, but it also has a large economic impact on the dairy operation.

A seminar on digital dermatitis (hairy heel warts), one of the most common foot diseases of the dairy cow, is being offered on Wednesday, January 18, from 1 to 3 pm at UW-Extension Fond du Lac County, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac.

Presenter Dr. Dorte Dopfer from the UW-School of Veterinary Medicine will share effective practices to manage and reduce the spread of digital dermatitis within the herd. Dr. Dopfer is a leading authority on dairy cattle hoof health.

Tina Kohlman, UW-Extension Fond du Lac County Dairy & Livestock Agent will present field survey results of the prevalence of digital dermatitis on Eastern WI farms, and the practices farms are using to manage the disease.

There is no fee for this program, although pre-registration is encouraged by January 16 to ensure materials and refreshments.

Walking Strong flyer.

Pre-registration is encouraged by January 16.