Foot Bathing in the Hoof Health Management

Hoof diseases and lameness in bovines account for a big portion of the income loss due to diseases. Various management tools are available that could help reduce these losses. Hoof problems during the animal's productive life are mostly related to infectious diseases, feeding, housing including the type of floor surface and improper hoof trimming practices and combinations of these factors. Foot bathing is the most commonly used method in the attempt to prevent hairy warts and other hoof diseases. There is a lack of well documented and reported trials under farm conditions that show the effect of foot bathing when accompanied by proper hoof trimming. Additionally, the available trial data does not always address the full range of foot diseases. Concern has been expressed (4) about procedures and products used with foot baths and that any perceived benefits must be weighed against direct economic costs, potential risk to human and animal health and environmental ...