Randomised control trial comparing the efficacy of a topical organic acid and tea tree oil treatment with licensed topical oxytetracycline for the treatment of Digital Dermatitis in dairy cattle

Objectives

The study aimed to compare the efficacy of a commercially available topical treatment for digital dermatitis (Konquest hoof gel, Provita, Northern Ireland), which contains a mix of organic acids (including Salicylic acid) and tea tree oil, against the licensed topical antimicrobial spray containing oxytetracycline (positive control).

Materials and methods

Dairy cattle were enrolled from six English dairy farms. Cows were screened for active digital dermatitis lesions via direct observation of the heels at hoof trimming. The M-scoring scale was used to define digital dermatitis lesions. Cows with any non-regressing (M1, M2, M4, M4.1) digital dermatitis lesions on the hindfeet were eligible for enrolment onto the study.

The cows were then randomly allocated into a treatment group using a random number generator. One treatment group (Gel) received Konquest hoof gel applied onto the lesion using melolin wound dressing under a light cohesive bandage. The positive control group (Spray) received topical application of oxytetracycline spray (Engemycin, MSD or Terramycin, Zoetis) onto the clean, dried lesion with no bandage. After 30 seconds of drying, spray was reapplied to the lesion. [...]