Common household products and novel reversible biocides as antibiotic alternatives for digital dermatitis treatments

Objective

As many producers are moving away from antibiotic treatments, new effective treatments are needed for bacterial infectious diseases of production cattle such as digital dermatitis. Lack of regulation and efficacy testing has led to a plethora of homemade “secret sauces” with little or no scientific backing. A rapid and effective treatment for digital dermatitis is needed. Additionally, effective environmentally friendly disinfectants are needed for decontamination of processing equipment, animal areas, and sometimes workers themselves to maintain biosecurity and diminish disease transmission.

Methods

The Bioproducts research group has developed a class of broad spectrum, reversible antimicrobials. These compounds at the working concentration are very effective at eliminating bacteria, are safe and non-irritating but when diluted into the environment, break down into inert biodegradable subcomponents. Using standard antimicrobial testing methodology, we evaluated a library of materials hoof trimmers said they have used in treating digital dermatitis, and these novel reversible antimicrobials for effectiveness in preventing growth of several bacterial pathogens of livestock including anaerobes and Treponema associated with digital dermatitis, Gram+ and Gram- mastitis causing bacteria and zoonotic agents. [...]