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.

What is Mortellaro disease?

Digital dermatitis appears as open, red and painful ulcers on the hooves of cows, most often in the area between the hooves and around the ankle. Initially, these are small lesions, only a few millimeters in size, but within a few weeks they can develop into extensive ulcers the size of a coin or even the palm of your hand. In the later stages, warty changes also appear, which are characteristic of the chronic form of the disease.

Mortellaro is a widespread problem on modern dairy farms, as it spreads rapidly in humid and unhygienic environments and negatively affects movement, milk production and overall animal health.

A one-year experiment: does extra hoof care make a difference?

A one-year field trial was conducted on two farms with severe hoof problems to determine whether regular hoof spraying with a care product further reduces the occurrence and recurrence of Mortellaro disease.

In the experiment, veterinarians used the product HooFoss (Vilofoss), which:

• nourishes the skin,
• forms a protective film,
• binds ammonia upon contact with the skin.

Initial state

• Farm A: 17.6% of hooves with acute ulcers, 25.7% with chronic lesions
• Farm B: 33.1% of hooves with acute ulcers, 19% with chronic lesions

All detected injuries were first treated appropriately until the acute and vegetative chronic changes disappeared.

Experiment progress and results

From the first day of the experiment, farmers, twice a week during milking:

• cleaned both hind hooves with a shower,
• one hind hoof was additionally sprayed with HooFoss.

Veterinarians examined all animals once a month and documented the condition of their hooves.

Key findings

After six weeks on sprayed hooves:

• there was no recurrence on farm A,
• on farm B only one repetition.
• New open ulcers appeared on untreated hooves:
• 3 cows on farm A,
• 8 cows on farm B.

Typically, Mortellar recurrences occur after 6 to 12 weeks, but the trial clearly demonstrated that regular hoof care with a suitable product can effectively break this cycle. The number of open ulcers on treated hooves remained low throughout the trial.

How to manage digital dermatitis long-term?

The most successful approach to managing Mortellaro disease includes:

• regular and professional hoof care,
• further checks and monitoring of the situation,
• consistent use of hoof care products,
• ensuring good hygiene in stables and milking parlors.

Such a holistic approach not only improves hoof health, but also animal welfare, production results and business success of the farm.