Sole ulcers commonly affect one or both lateral hind claws, predominantly in heavy, high-yielding dairy cattle kept under confined conditions. A sole ulcer is a circumscribed lesion located in the region of the sole/bulb junction, usually nearer the axial than abaxial margin. Damage to the dermis is associated with a circumscribed zone of localized hemorrhage and necrosis. The incidence is variable, but in some herds up to 50% of mature cows can be affected.
US - A natural remedy that delays and reduces the severity of mastitis infection in dairy cattle is being investigated by scientists at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
US - Scientists at the ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR) in Manhattan, Kansas, and in Kenya are developing and evaluating control strategies for viruses like Rift Valley fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
AFRICA - Cattle are extremely vulnerable to ticks, mites and flies which can transmit blood parasites, cause irritating wounds and then infections. In order to control them farmers must dip their cattle in a pesticide. This is impractical and expensive for poor farmers with just a small number of livestock.
GLOBAL - Mereck Animal Health are releasing the broad-spectrum clostridial disease vaccine for sheep and cattle, Bravoxin 10, in a new six x 100ml farm vaccination pack.