The Use of Mathematical Models and Observational Epidemiological Studies to Investigate the Transmission of Bovine Digital Dermatitis

A multigroup mathematical model of a dairy herd was formulated to represent the transmission of bovine digital dermatitis within and between five management groups (unweaned calves, weaned calves, heifers, lactating cows and dry cows). This poster describes the initial formulation of the mathematical model, which has informed the design of both cross-sectional and longitudinal field studies. A pilot study was performed on four farms, which were classified as high prevalence, medium prevalence, low prevalence and free of digital dermatitis. A questionnaire and housing inspection were performed on each farm prior to testing. Serum samples were taken from all dairy cattle on the farms at the time of testing (a total of 1270). Body hygiene scoring and foot condition scoring were carried out. The feet of 286 animals were inspected for clinical lesions. Data on age and management group, serological status, presence or absence of clinical lesions and hygiene scores were used to revise and parameterise ...