Using a Footbath with Copper Sulphate or Peracetic Foam for the Control of Digital Dermatitis and Heel Horn Erosion in a Dairy Herd

Several chemical compounds have been used in foot baths to control infectious claw diseases. Antibiotics in foot baths are effective against digital dermatitis (Laven and Proven 2000) but involve the risk of resistance development and are expensive. Nor is formalin an option due to obvious health hazards. Copper sulphate is common in foot baths but there are few studies that evaluate its effect on infectious claw diseases. Moreover, it is hazardous to the environment, corrosive and painful in wounds. Therefore alternative approved disinfectants are urgently needed. Recently, new environmental-friendly foot baths have been introduced, for example a foam containing peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (Kovex®, Ecolab). The aim of the present study was evaluate the effectiveness of copper sulphate and peracetic foam in a herd with problems of digital dermatitis and heel horn ...