Footbaths

Aims of footbathing
o Treat established infections (digital dermatitis and foul)
o Wash off and kill surface bacteria (disinfect)
o Wash off slurry from the feet (clean)
o Harden the claws and skin around the claws (formalin)

Agent	Treatment cure rate	Disinfection	Cleaning
Antibiotics
Formalin 5% - now illegal
Copper sulphate 5%
Zinc sulphate 5%
Hypoclorite 1% -Circulation water
Organic acids
Hosing with water

Disadvantages of foot bathing
o Added hassle/ extra job
o Expense
o Use of harmful chemicals (harmful to cow, humans and environment) need to be disposed off correctly
o All antibiotic footbaths are off licence and should incur a 7 day milk withhold

4 signs that footbathing could be improved

o Footbaths should be changed regularly
o Aim to change after 1 cow per litre ie change after 200 cows in a 200litre bath
o Footbathing is more effective if feet are prewashed