Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis Research Articles

Bovine immune response to papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD)-associated spirochetes is skewed in isolate reactivity and subclass elicitation

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is a growing cause of lameness of dairy cattle worldwide. Farms with PDD-afflicted cows experience economic loss due to treatment costs, decreased milk production, lower reproductive efficiency and premature culling. Cows exhibit both humoral and cellular immune responses to PDD-associated spirochetes. This study was undertaken to further characterize the bovine humoral response to PDD-associated spirochetes. Forty-seven sera samples collected from cattle (Field cattle) on three different dairy operations in Iowa were analyzed. In addition, sera were obtained from six young steers (Test cattle) that received a mixed inoculum of four previously isolated Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes (1A, 3A, 4A and 5B) on two separate occasions. Relative levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and IgM reactive to each individual spirochete were determined. Field cattle had a higher mean antibody response to 5B compared to the other isolates and T. phagedenis. Test cattle reacted most strongly with 4A following initial exposure, shifting to a greater reactivity with 5B and a reactivity profile similar to field cattle following secondary exposure. No measurable IgM was detected. IgG1 was produced predominately in all cattle. Low to moderate levels of total IgG reactivity to T. phagedenis occurred with sera from all cattle.

Genetic heterogeneity among strains of Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes isolated from dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis in Japan.

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is an infectious foot disease of cattle that is prevalent throughout the world. Although it has been prevalent in Japan since the first case was reported in 1992, full epidemiological and bacteriological examinations have not been conducted. We collected 91 lesions of PDD from 80 dairy cattle on 12 farms in eight regions of Japan to isolate the spirochetes that are frequently detected in lesions. We isolated 40 strains of spirochetes from 24 cattle (30.0%) by a simple two-step culture technique, in which the biopsy samples were incubated at 4 degrees C for 48 to 72 h in an enrichment broth supplemented with antibiotics, which improved the rate of isolation, and then inoculated on selective agar plates. All spirochetes examined were catalase positive and oxidase negative and showed weak beta-hemolytic activity. Enzyme activities were identical to those of Treponema phagedenis ATCC 27087. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that all strains isolated had >99% identity to those of the T. phagedenis type strain and of T. phagedenis-like strains isolated from PDD lesions in the United States and Europe. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and PCR-based random amplified polymorphism DNA methods revealed considerable diversity among strains isolated not only from different cattle but also from the same individuals. These findings may provide further evidence for the role of these treponemes in the pathogenesis of persistent PDD.

Genetic diversity of bovine ulcerative mammary dermatitis-associated Treponema

The etiology of bovine ulcerative mammary dermatitis (UMD) is poorly characterized. The goal of this study was to genetically analyze spirochetes present in UMD lesions. DNA prepared from UMD lesion biopsies and from spirochetes cultured from the corresponding lesion biopsies was PCR amplified using primers for the 16S rDNA-tRNA(ile) intergenic spacer region (ISR) of Treponema 16S-23S rDNA. Analysis of cloned ISR amplicons from three cultivable UMD-associated spirochetes indicated that two isolates cluster closely with cultivable papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD)-associated and human-associated Treponema phylotypes, while the remaining isolate is unique. Analysis of ISR amplicons from UMD lesion biopsies identified additional not-yet-cultivable Treponema phylotypes. Our results revealed the presence of a genetically diverse Treponema population in an UMD lesion.

Effects of different intervention strategies on the incidence of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cows

The effects of four different intervention strategies on the incidence of severe lesions of digital dermatitis in an experimental dairy herd were compared with the effects of a control strategy...

Papillomatous digital dermatitis spirochetes suppress the bovine macrophage innate immune response

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is a polymicrobial infection in soft tissue adjacent to the hoof and is the leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle. Treponema phagedenis-like (TPL) spirochetes are a constant feature of PDD lesions and are localized deep in infected tissue. Host–cell response mechanisms to TPL spirochetes are poorly understood. To assess how bovine macrophages respond to cellular constituents of TPL spirochetes, changes in transcription were analyzed using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and real time RT-PCR. This analysis revealed that some proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. GCP-2 and IL-8) are induced in treated macrophages, while receptors and their accessory proteins for IL-1, IL-6 and IL-11 are either down regulated or unchanged. Two genes encoding proteins having negative effects on NFκB, IκB and SIVA-1, are significantly induced in stimulated cells. Several genes associated with the cytoskeleton and antigen presentation are down regulated after exposure to sonicated TPL spirochetes, as are genes associated with wound repair. Combined, these data suggest that the innate immune and wound repair functions of bovine macrophages exposed to TPL cellular constituents are impaired thereby enabling bacteria to resist clearance and induce lesion formation. Use of this in vitro bovine macrophage model should be useful in elucidating host–spirochete interactions and facilitate identification of potential virulence traits.

Determination of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis (PDD) Prevalence in the U.S. Feedlot Industry through Practitioner Survey

Papillomatous digital dermatitis has been recognized and studied within the dairy industry for nearly 30 years. Published literature describing the incidence, risk factors, treatment and probable etiology within dairies is readily available. Far less information is available concerning papillomatous digital dermatitis and its effects on the US feedlot industry. Although papillomatous digital dermatitis is rarely reported in feedlot cattle, there have been at least three confirmed cases in feedlots in Kansas and Iowa.

Case of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis in Feedyard Cattle

Papillomatous digital dermatitis may be an emerging disease within the feeder cattle industry. This case report will review the presentation, diagnostic plan and some of the available treatment options as well as describe an atypical presentation of this disease.

Field evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a vaccine against (papillomatous) digital dermatitis in dairy cattle on two California dairies

The objectives of this study were to determine the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a Treponema bacterin against papillomatous digital dermatitis ((P)DD) in lactating dairy cows from 2 California dairies and to compare the serological response to the Treponema bacterin between vaccinate and placebo groups of cows. A total of 1160 Holstein-Friesian cows were used in this study. The cows were grouped according to treatment (vaccinated or placebo) and visible (P)DD lesion status prior to treatment. 120 cows with no visible lesions prior to treatment were bled for serological evaluation. Monthly visual and serological evaluations were performed before and after the treatment for 6 months. Comparison of monthly proportion of cows between groups of vaccinates and placebos showed insignificant prophylactic or therapeutic effects due to the Treponema bacterin. Results were also insignificant when monthly proportions of cows were stratified by lactation groups or for only those cows present at every monthly observation and stratified by lactation groups. ELISA titres of the 120 cows bled prior to treatment showed that 43% of the cows had positive titres, indicating prior exposure to Treponema spp. Comparison between monthly proportions of vaccinates and placebo cows that had no visible (P)DD lesions, and which had negative serological titres to (P)DD-associated Treponema spp. antigens prior to treatment, showed that a significantly higher proportion of vaccinates developed a positive serological state during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd months after treatment.

Economic impacts of reduced milk production associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cows in the USA

The goal of this study was to measure the economic impacts of reduced milk production associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) in dairy cows in the USA, and of specific risk factors for PDD, in 1996. The method applied was an economic-welfare analysis of producer and consumer surplus, with the GUM Workbench used to analyse uncertainties in the measurements. Reduced milk production associated with PDD was found to reduce consumer surplus by Dollars 750 million +/- Dollars 580 million, and to increase the economic surplus of producers by Dollars 560 million +/- Dollars 470 million, with a net economic loss of Dollars 190 million +/- Dollars 130 million. An examination of the economic effects of specific epidemiologic risk factors for PDD showed that having dairy cows that were not born on the operation had important economic consequences associated with the disease, as did the type of land to which dairy cows had access during the winter months and the type of flooring on which cows walked. Washing hoof-trimming equipment between cows was an important biosecurity measure that was associated with reduced PDD. The epidemiologic model used also implicated hoof trimmers who trimmed cattle hooves on other operations as having an important economic impact associated with this disease, although this finding may have been erroneous.

Proliferative Pododermatitis (Canker) with Intralesional Spirochetes in Three Horses

Spirochetes were identified histologically in canker (proliferative pododermatitis) in 3 horses. The data suggest that spirochetes may contribute to the pathology of equine chronic foot diseases similar to the manner in which they contribute to the pathology of bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis and contagious ovine digital dermatitis.

Survey for papillomatous digital dermatitis in Australian dairy cattle.

To determine whether Treponema-associated papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) occurs in Australian dairy cattle. Mail-out questionnaire and histological and bacteriological examination of biopsy tissue from suspect PDD lesions. The questionnaire was mailed to 375 veterinarians to evaluate their knowledge of PDD, determine if they had observed the disease in Australian dairy cattle, and to request biopsy material from suspicious cases. Biopsies were examined for histological and bacteriological evidence of PDD, including for the presence of spirochaetes. Eighty-eight replies to the questionnaire were received (23.5%). Of 52 respondents who were aware of PDD as a possible cause of lameness, 26 reported observing the condition in Australian cattle. Of 32 respondents who were unaware of the condition, 6 reported observing lesions that might have been PDD. The majority of reports of PDD-like lesions came from the southern Australian states, the condition occurring during periods of high rainfall and proving responsive to topical or parenteral application of antimicrobials. Biopsies from five erosive lesions showed histological similarity to PDD whereas biopsies from five proliferative lesions were consistent with chronic inflammation, fibroma or cutaneous papilloma. The presence of spirochaetes was not demonstrated in any of the lesions by histological or bacteriological methods. Anecdotal reports and analysis of biopsy material confirm that a condition similar to PDD does occur sporadically in dairy cattle in southern Australia. However, this condition has so far not been shown to be associated with the presence of spirochaetes in the lesions.

Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Holstein-Friesian bull

Extract Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is an infectious and contagious disorder of housed, adult dairy cattle. The ensuing lameness is often severe and results in significant economic loss, mainly due to decreased milk production (Hernandez et al 2002). The disease, first described some 30 years ago in Italy (Cheli and Mortellaro 1974), has since been reported in many other European countries (Peterse et al 1982; Blowey and Sharp 1988), North America (Rebhun et al 1980; Read et al 1992; Borgmann et al 1996) and Australia (McLennan and McKenzie 1996), though not in New Zealand. In the United Kingdom and North America, PDD is the most common skin lesion observed in association with bovine lameness.

Characterization of Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cattle.

Four spirochete strains were isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) lesions in Iowa dairy cattle and compared with two previously described spirochete strains isolated from dairy cattle in California. These six strains shared an identical 16S ribosomal DNA sequence that was 98% similar to Treponema phagedenis and 99% similar to the uncultivated PDD spirochete sequence DDLK-4. The whole-cell protein profiles resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of these six strains were similar. However, these strains showed differences in the antigenic diversity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Genetic diversity was also detected by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA digests, revealing differences among five of the six strains. Serum immunoglobulin G antibodies from dairy cattle with active PDD lesions reacted with the LPS of all but one PDD spirochete strain. Likewise, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cattle with active PDD lesions produced blastogenic responses to one of the two California isolates. Both antibody and lymphocyte blastogenic responses were reduced in convalescent dairy cattle, suggesting the immune response to these spirochetes has short duration. These results demonstrate genetic and antigenic diversity among T. phagedenis-like treponemes and provide further evidence for the involvement of these spirochetes in the pathogenesis of PDD.

Concurrent spirochaetal infections of the feet and colon of cattle in Japan.

To describe spirochaetal infections in the feet and colon of cattle affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) and colitis respectively. Eighty-two slaughtered animals were macroscopically examined for the presence of PDD. Tissues of two cattle affected with PDD were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and bacteriology for spirochaetal infection. Two adult cattle (a 2-year-old beef bullock and 7-year-old Holstein dairy cow) were affected with PDD. Histologically, numerous argyrophilic and gram-negative filamentous or spiral spirochaetes were found deep in the PDD lesions. Epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and oedema of the lamina propria mucosa with macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the caecum and colon in the cattle. Numerous spirochaetes were present in the crypts and some had invaded epithelial and goblet cells, and caused their degeneration. Immunohistochemically the organisms stained positively with polyclonal antisera against Treponema pallidum and Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae. Ultrastructurally, the intestinal spirochaetes were similar to the spirochaetes in PDD. They were 6 to 14 pm long, 0.2 to 0.3 pm wide and had 4 to 6 coils and 9 axial filaments per cell. Campylobacter species were isolated from the PDD and intestinal lesions, but spirochaetes were not. Concurrent infections with morphologically similar spirochaetal organisms may occur in the feet and colon of cattle in Japan.

Effect of lameness on milk yield in dairy cows.

To examine the relationship between lameness and milk yield in dairy cows. Cohort study. 531 dairy cows. Cows affected with lameness were classified into 1 of 3 groups on the basis of type of diseases or lesions observed, including interdigital phlegmon (foot rot), papillomatous digital dermatitis (foot warts), or claw lesions. Cows not affected with lameness were classified as healthy. From Dairy Herd Improvement Association records, 305-day mature equivalent milk yield data were collected at the end of lactation or when the cow left the herd. Milk yield was compared between cows affected with lameness and healthy cows. 167 (31%) cows were affected with lameness during lactation. Lame cows had claw lesions (60%), papillomatous digital dermatitis (31%), or interdigital phlegmon (9%). Milk yield in lame cows with interdigital phlegmon (mean, 17,122 lb) was significantly less, compared with healthy cows (19,007 lb). In this herd, interdigital phlegmon was associated with a 10% decrease in milk production. Lame cows with claw lesions or papillomatous digital dermatitis produced less milk than healthy cows, but the difference was not significant.

Footbathing in the Management of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD), or hairy heel warts, continues to be a growing problem among the nation's dairies, and the corresponding profit loss associated with the disease continues to rise. While much of the work to date has focused on the treatment of lesions in lame animals, minimal investigation has been done on pro-active approaches to controlling the spread of PDD. Footbathing is the most commonly used method in the attempt to prevent hairy warts. Often it is used with solutions containing antibiotics, copper sulfate or formaldehyde. Concern has been expressed about the use of such products and the health and environmental consequences of farmers disposing large amounts of these residues into watercourses after treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, non-antibiotic compound in controlling papillomatous digital dermatitis when used in a footbath application.

Effect of lameness on the calving-to-conception interval in dairy cows.

To examine the relationship between lameness and the duration of the interval from calving to subsequent conception in lactating dairy cows. Cohort study. 837 dairy cows. Cows affected with lameness were classified into 1 of 4 groups on the basis of types of disease or lesions observed, including foot rot, papillomatous digital dermatitis, claw lesions, or multiple lesions. Cows not affected with lameness were classified as healthy. Time from calving to conception was compared between lame cows and healthy cows. 254 (30%) cows were affected with lameness during lactation. Most lame cows (59%) had claw lesions. Lame cows with claw lesions were 0.52 times as likely to conceive as healthy cows. Median time to conception was 40 days longer in lame cows with claw lesions, compared with healthy cows. Number of breedings per conception for lame cows with claw lesions was significantly higher than that for healthy cows. Claw lesions were the most important cause of lameness, impairing reproductive performance in dairy cows, as indicated by a higher incidence of affected cows and a greater time from calving to conception and a higher number of breedings required per conception, compared with healthy cows.

Characterizing Biosecurity, Health, and Culling During Dairy Herd Expansions ,

Our objectives were to investigate strategies for biosecurity, expansion, and culling for expanding dairy herds in the Upper Midwest. Eighteen dairies in Iowa and Wisconsin were visited, and dairy managers and veterinarians were interviewed to characterize five bio-security practices, herd culling practices, vaccines administered, and ensuing disease status for the herds. The majority of herds that were interviewed failed to employ comprehensive biosecurity programs for incoming cattle. Nearly 60% of herds obtained cattle from sources for which it was difficult to document genetic backgrounds and health histories, fewer than half required health testing for incoming cattle, and approximately 50% quarantined new cattle on arrival. Despite high rates of vaccination for bovine viral diarrhea, all herd owners and managers indicated that herd biosecurity was compromised as a result of expansion. Half of the interviewed herds indicated that bovine viral diarrhea and papillomatous digital dermatitis were notable disease problems. Herds that obtained cattle with unknown backgrounds and health status experienced the largest number of diseases. Before expansion, the most frequently cited reasons for culling were reproductively unsound; low milk production; mastitis, poor udder health, and high SCC; during expansion, the strategic decision to cull cows for low milk production was used less often. In addition, the stochastic simulation model, DairyORACLE, was used to evaluate economic outcomes for several expansion alternatives. Five model scenarios studied were: base scenario (herd size was maintained) and four expansion scenarios—all paired combinations of heifer quality (high, low) and voluntary culling (implemented, not implemented). Culling for low milk production yielded an additional $23.29 annually (6-yr annuity) per cow, but on the basis of purchased replacements, no voluntary culling was most profitable. Purchasing high versus low quality replacement heifers for expansions returned an additional $113.54 annually ($681.24 total net present value) per heifer purchased. Many opportunities exist to improve cattle-related factors for dairy herd expansions, including the use of comprehensive biosecurity programs, realistic planning and budgeting for cattle purchases, and cost effective purchase and culling practices.

Effect of Lesion Stage on the Treatment of Digital Dermatitis

Hairy heel warts disease (digital dermatitis, papillomatous digital dermatitis or PDD) continues to plague the nation's dairies with corresponding profit loss.2 While extensive studies have been conducted on specific treatment compounds and their effects, there has been minimal investigation into the various stages of the disease and their susceptibility and/or resistance to treatment. In this study, correlation between the stage of the disease at which treatment is initiated, and effectiveness of the treatment, is investigated.

Recurrence of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis During the 11 Months after Treatment with Lincomycin

Previous treatment studies for papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) have found that recurrence of lesions is high and that treatment must be ongoing to control the disease. In a previous study we found that 18/22 lesions treated with lincomycin or oxytetracycline in a foot wrap appeared to be healed one month after treatment. When biopsies were examined we found that 10/18 (55%) of the lesions that appeared to be healed had some microscopic evidence of activity. We could not differentiate between lesions that were incompletely healed and those that were new infections. This study was designed to follow 30 cows with PDD for one year after treatment. Observations were to be made at monthly intervals.