As (bovine) veterinarians, we appreciate clarity. We work with protocols, herd treatment plans, vaccination schedules, and so on. This structured approach gives both us and the farmer a sense of order and reliability. However, not every condition can be managed in a strictly protocol‑driven way.
Take, for example, the treatment of Udder Cleft Dermatitis (UCD). UCD is a common skin disorder in dairy cows, located at the junction between the udder and the abdominal skin, or between the forequarters. It is characterised by mild skin lesions, but can also present with severe tissue necrosis and a purulent, foul‑smelling discharge. Farmers often underestimate the prevalence within the herd, as mild lesions frequently go unnoticed. This is especially true on farms where cows are milked by a robot and udders are therefore not inspected daily, allowing lesions to progress significantly before they are detected. Needless to say, the erosions and ulcerations associated with UCD cause discomfort and pain, negatively affecting cow welfare. It has not yet been unequivocally demonstrated whether UCD reduces milk yield; however, it is clear that severe exudative lesions have a negative impact on milk hygiene.
UCD has been on the rise for several years. The exact aetiology and pathogenesis are not yet fully understood, but increasing evidence suggests that it is multifactorial and polybacterial. The condition is believed to develop as a result of opportunistic anaerobic bacterial infection following skin damage. This aligns with what we observe in the numerous samples examined by our laboratory, RIPAC‑LABOR GmbH. Notably, at herd level we frequently isolate the same pathogens from different samples. Trueperella pyogenes I Bacteroides pyogenes are commonly detected anaerobic organisms.
Farmers are keen to address this condition constructively and prefer not to have it on their farm at all. Early recognition and timely treatment of lesions are essential. In practice, the main challenge in treating UCD is the practical feasibility of applying a product frequently enough and for long enough to achieve efficacy. Because treatment requires considerable perseverance and motivation from the farmer, the risk of therapeutic failure is high.
As with many conditions, prevention is better than cure. But how do we prevent UCD? Good on‑farm hygiene, as well as breeding cows with a shallower udder, can help reduce the prevalence of UCD within the herd. Preventing the disease through vaccination is not possible, as no commercial vaccines are available.
In short, this condition requires tailor‑made solutions—or the courage to try a different approach.
If you would like to discuss the management of UCD or other conditions diagnosable by RIPAC‑LABOR GmbH, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Chris Cornelis
Technical Support Veterinarian Ruminants
