Early intervention for digital dermatitis
Four practical cattle-health studies featured at the World Buiatrics Congress 2026
NoBACZ Healthcare are delighted to have supported four posters at the 2026 World Buiatrics Congress in Istanbul, all exploring practical approaches to improving cattle health and welfare while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Covering calf navel care, disbudding wounds, udder cleft dermatitis and digital dermatitis, the projects demonstrate how careful monitoring and effective barrier technologies can support better outcomes under commercial farm conditions.
Dr Rebecca Nelson MRCVS and Dr Reuben Newsome MRCVS from Fosse Way Farm Vets evaluated whether prompt treatment of digital dermatitis with Ambugreen gel bandage could improve mobility in a 280-cow commercial dairy herd. During the prospective longitudinal study, cows were mobility scored every two weeks; animals identified as lame were examined, lesions classified using the M-stage system, and confirmed digital dermatitis lesions were treated on days zero and seven.
Of the 92 lesions included in the analysis, 81 (88 %) were associated with cows classified as sound 21 to 35 days after treatment. Importantly, outcomes were significantly better when lesions were detected through ad hoc examination, or while cows still had a mobility score of zero, than when treatment began after clinical lameness had developed.
The findings show that the value of an effective non-antibiotic treatment is closely linked to early detection: identifying and treating digital dermatitis before mobility deteriorates offers the strongest opportunity to protect both welfare and performance.
Are you a vet interested in conducting research using NoBACZ products?
Our research and evidence team are always interested to explore new applications of our products that will help maintain animal health and welfare. If you have an idea you think might be interesting, please get in touch.