Animals

Mortellaro or digital dermatitis (DD) is one of the most common and contagious hoof diseases in cattle. It occurs mainly on dairy farms and represents a major challenge both from the point of view of animal welfare and the economic efficiency of farming. Timely therapy, regular examinations and consistent hoof care are key to successful management of the disease.

Zoonoses are infectious diseases and infections that are transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Zoonoses always require an animal host, or reservoir, to infect humans. The causative agents of the disease are bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that enter the human body in a variety of ways: by inhalation, by ingestion, by a bite (through the skin)…

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious viral diseases of ungulates such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Although it is not dangerous to humans, an outbreak of the disease can have devastating consequences for livestock farming and the economy. After more than a decade of peace, FMD re-emerged in the European Union in early 2025, causing concern among farmers and authorities.