Mortellaro is a persistent and painful infection at the back of the heel, where the 2 heels separate at the transition of skin and horn. Mortellaro is also called digital dermatitis, and is caused by the Treponema bacteria. There are more than 20 different species of the Treponema. Mortellaro is persistent, because the bacteria penetrates into the dermis. In addition, Mortellaro is very contagious to other cows.
Lameness – Mortellaro
Mortellaro appears as lesions which initially look like raw, red, oval ulcers on the back of the heel. These lesions develop raised, hair-like projections or wart-like lesions, and some may extend up between the claws or appear on the front of the foot. A wet floor is a major cause of Mortellaro spread. The Treponema bacteria spreads easily in manure. In addition, overcrowding of the barn and over-feeding of the cows can contribute to the spread of Mortellaro.
Timely detection of an animal with Mortellaro is essential. A cow suffering from Mortellaro usually spares the infected leg and will be less mobile due to pain. She will lay down more and come less to the feed fence, starting a vicious circle. A reduced feed intake will lead to a lower milk production. Also, cows with Mortellaro do not come to the milking robot as easily, which also results in reduced milk production. Furthermore, Mortellaro has a strong negative effect on lifespan, fertility and the welfare of the cows. The Mortellaro infection itself can be recognised by the raised hairs on the infected spot. The inflamed area is red and strawberry-like. No hair grows in the place where Mortellaro sits. The area is painful to the touch releases a bad odour.
Treating Mortellaro is labour intensive and expensive, so prevention is key. Good barn hygiene is essential. Bacteria easily multiply in a dirty environment.
Make sure the floor is as dry as possible, for example, with a manure scraper or manure robot. Areas where the manure scraper cannot reach, should be cleaned manually. This is applicable for the waiting area for the milking parlour or robot. The cubicles must be comfortable, with the correct cubicle sizes to prevent manure build up in the box. Trimming twice a year ensures optimal hoof health, thus preventing diseases. The best time for hoof trimming is just before or during dry period. The other about 2 to 3 months after calving.
A farm with a stable herd, with no new introductions, has the smallest risk of Mortellaro. New animals can introduce the Treponema bacteria into the herd and infect other cows. Pasture grazing on days when the surface is somewhat harder ensures that claws can dry up. This means that the Treponema bacteria do not stand a chance.
Nutrition and hoof health are closely related. Zinc, manganese and biotin have a great influence on the formation of a good quality claw horn and a good resistance. In addition to these trace elements, the amount of energy, fats, proteins, macro minerals and vitamins influences hoof health as well. Therefore it is important to feed a balanced ration. Finally, when it comes to claw health, it’s good to look into breeding. Bulls with an average low breeding value on claw health, more often have daughters with claw disease than bulls with a higher average breeding value. In addition, it is important to dispose of cows with chronic Mortellaro, as their offspring will be susceptible too.
A farm with a stable herd, with no new introductions, has the smallest risk of Mortellaro. New animals can introduce in the Treponema bacteria and infect other cows. Pasture grazing on days when the surface is somewhat harder ensures that claws can dry up. This means that the Treponema bacteria do not stand a chance.
Nutrition and hoof health are closely related. Zinc, manganese and biotin have a great influence on the formation of a good quality claw horn and a good resistance. In addition to these trace elements, the amount of energy, fats, proteins, macro minerals and vitamins influences hoof health as well. Therefore it is important to feed a balanced ration. Finally, when it comes to claw health, it’s good to look into breeding. Bulls with an average low breeding value on claw health, more often have daughters with claw disease than bulls with a higher average breeding value. In addition, it is important to dispose of cows with chronic Mortellaro, as their offspring will be susceptible too.
The first action if Mortellaro is seen, is hoof trimming. If the hoof is set at a little steeper angle, the skin just above the horn of the hoof is less likely to come into contact with manure. After trimming, the claw must be dried and cleaned. The claw is then treated with a blue spray (chlorotetracycline spray) containing antibiotic. Finally, the hoof can be wrapped with tape. The tape is removed after 2 weeks. The tape should not be left on for too long, as it will grow into the skin. Once the wound has healed, it is essential that the cow is given a foot bath with formalin once every 2 weeks to prevent recurrence.
