A new study has revealed that using an adhesive gel barrier applied over antibiotic spray is two to three times more likely to improve painful digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cows than just using antibiotic spray alone.
The research, a randomised controlled trial, investigated whether using NoBACZ Healthcare’s adhesive gel barrier, Ambugreen, in addition to topical chlortetracycline antibiotic spray could improve lesion healing and resolution rates for digital dermatitis under real commercial dairy conditions.
The study was conducted on three fully housed commercial dairy farms in Southwest England and 119 cows were enrolled, with 189 digital dermatitis lesions ranging from early (M1) to chronic (M4) identified.
Ambugreen is a waterproof gel barrier that sets rapidly once applied and remains in place without needing to be removed like conventional bandages. It protects digital dermatitis lesions from slurry and moisture, thereby providing the benefits of bandaging without the risks of bandages being left on too long or additional handling or labour requirements to remove them after 48-hours.
This new protocol featuring Ambugreen is already being adopted throughout the industry and Natalie Harrow, vet technician, foot trimmer and RoMs accredited mobility scorer at Synergy Farm Health in Dorset, has been embracing the new evidence-based advice for management of infectious lameness during routine foot trimming visits.
“Digital dermatitis is highly contagious and the largest cause of lameness on my clients’ farms. It can lead to reduced fertility and milk loss,” she said.
“While footbathing is a mainstay for control of infectious lameness, as a foot trimmer, I’m always looking for different and more effective ways to help manage this more effectively. Once a foot is cleaned, trimmed and dried off with paper towel, I’ve been applying antibiotic spray to the lesions and then using a clean glove to apply a thin layer of the barrier gel.”
Ms Harrow continued: “Whilst the gel is drying, I can carry out the rest of the trimming and by the time I’m finished the gel has ‘cured’ and the foot can be put down. I’ve noticed less aggressive lesions in the cows after just one application, and it is far more effective than conventional bandaging which I find performs poorly in wet conditions and harbours the bacteria that causes digital dermatitis.
“There’s also no messing about with the removal of bandages within 48 hours, which my clients are very happy about!”
Emily Collins-Wingate, veterinary surgeon at NoBACZ Healthcare, added: “While no single intervention will eliminate digital dermatitis, adhesive gel barriers such as Ambugreen can be applied over antibiotic sprays to provide an effective tool to enhance treatment protocols, support infectious lameness management and improve cow welfare and productivity.”
