Warts are common among cattle. If you’re raising cattle, you’ve probably seen a cow with warts at some point. Warts are caused by the bovine papillomavirus (BPV). There are at least 13 types of BPV that can cause warts on your cattle.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of warts in cattle, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Warts can negatively impact cattle welfare and productivity, so it’s important to understand how to deal with them.
What causes warts in cattle?
Warts in cattle, like warts in humans, are caused by a papillomavirus. In cattle, it’s called the bovine papillomavirus, or BPV. There are multiple strains of this virus.
Different types of BPV tend to show up on different parts of a cow’s body. For example, BPV-1 and BPV-2 are often associated with fibropapillomas, which are a specific type of wart.
BPV is usually spread by direct contact with an infected animal, or by indirect contact with equipment or surfaces that an infected animal has touched. Young cattle are more prone to infection because their immune systems are still developing. Cattle with weak immune systems or cattle with cuts or scrapes are also more likely to develop warts.
Identifying Warts: Symptoms and Locations
Warts can appear just about anywhere on a cow, but they are most often found on the head, neck, and shoulders. Teats and udders can also be affected, and sometimes warts will show up on the animal’s back.
The growths often cluster together in groups.
Although warts are usually harmless, they can cause the animal some discomfort. Also, warts can sometimes open the door to secondary infections.
If a cow is exposed to the wart virus, warts will likely appear about two months later. They can stick around for a year or even longer.
How to treat warts on cattle
Warts on cattle are often self-limiting, meaning they’ll go away on their own. But in some cases, you may need to think about treatment.
You may want to treat warts if they seem to be causing the animal discomfort, if they’re interfering with milking or the animal’s movement, or if they’re affecting the animal’s eligibility for exhibition at a show.
Home remedies
Some cattle owners have found success with home remedies like tea tree oil or udder balm. If you’re considering treating your cow’s warts with a home remedy, it’s a good idea to talk with your veterinarian first. The effectiveness of most home remedies hasn’t been proven, so your vet can advise you on the best course of action.
Modern medicine and vaccines
There are vaccines available to protect against bovine papillomavirus. A commercial wart vaccine is available, and it’s primarily used to prevent warts. Typically, the animal gets two doses, with a booster three to five weeks after the first shot.
Surgical removal
If the warts are severe, your veterinarian may recommend surgical removal. This is usually a last resort. Your vet may advise you to wait until the warts have reached their maximum size or have begun to regress before removing them.
Preventing warts
Keeping warts out of your herd requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some things you can do:
- Keep things clean. Regular cleaning and disinfection of your facilities can reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading.
- Isolate infected animals. Separate any animal with warts from the rest of the herd to prevent further transmission.
- Practice good biosecurity. Control the movement of animals and people onto and off of your property.
- Vaccinate. Talk to your vet about a wart vaccination plan.
- Focus on herd management. Healthy, well-managed herds are generally less susceptible to disease.
Warts vs. Digital Dermatitis
It’s important to tell the difference between warts and digital dermatitis because they have different causes and need different treatments.
Digital dermatitis causes painful lesions and ulcers, often around the heels and between the toes. It can cause cows to limp or stand on their toes, and it is associated with bacterial infections.
In Summary
Warts in cattle, caused by the bovine papillomavirus (BPV), are a common sight on farms. While unsightly, they are often self-limiting, disappearing on their own. However, various treatment options are available if needed.
Prevention is key, so practice good hygiene and consider vaccination if warts are a recurring issue in your herd. Always consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action.
Importantly, remember that warts do not affect the quality or safety of the beef from affected animals, so the meat remains safe for consumption.