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178 n ANGUSJournal n March 2017 certain risks to the environment and to the health of animals and their handlers. A labor-intensive but effective alternative is to manually apply a topical antimicrobial and a dressing to affected feet. Dopfer emphasizes that the affected foot should be lifted, thoroughly cleaned and treated with an appropriate product, such as tetracycline, and then wrapped to ensure that the affected area is exposed to the medication for at least 30 minutes. In some cases, hoof trimming may be advisable to address hoof horn malformation caused by the disease. Control of the disease, rather than a cure, is sometimes the best outcome that can be achieved. Table 1 shows the progression of digital dermatitis through the five "M-stages" as identified by Dopfer. Once the disease advances to the chronic M4 stage, the animal harbors a reservoir of bacterial disease deep within skin tissues. At the M4.1 or "chronically recurring" stage, animals typically develop lesions repeatedly for the remainder of their lives. As reservoirs of infection, animals in stages M4 and M4.1 are sources of new outbreaks when conditions are favorable. Dopfer advocates increased awareness of digital dermatitis as a feedlot lameness issue. She and University of Wisconsin colleagues developed "DD Check App" for handheld devices (see www.zinpro.com/lameness/dairy/ dd-check-app), which provides photographs and information about the disease. Originally developed for the dairy industry but applicable to beef cattle, this tool can help feedlot personnel identify and record the incidence of digital dermatitis, predict outbreaks and develop a control strategy. Sponsored by Zinpro Corp., the app is available at no cost. Dopfer advises feedlot personnel to always be on the lookout for this disease, learn to recognize it and respond before it progresses too far, emphasizing "chronic digital dermatitis is for life." Since already-infected calves do arrive at feedlots, cow-calf and stocker operators should also be aware of the disease and its potential consequences. Editor's Note: Troy Smith is a freelance writer and cattleman from Sargent, Neb. Dopfer presented information about digital dermatitis at a feedlot lameness workshop conducted by the Production Animal Consultation group, a science-driven, people-focused group of advisors serving animal protein producers worldwide. Learn more about the group online at www.pacdvms.com. Beware of Digital Dermatitis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 177 PO Box 37 Firebaugh, CA 93622 Rick, Allison & Garrett Blanchard Cell (559) 217-1502 Darrell Silveira (559) 217-1504 Fax (559) 674-9097 E-mail: silveirabros@msn.com · www.silveirabros.com Celebrating 40 Years of Angus Tradition TEHAMA ANGUS RANCH 23820 Tehama Ave. Gerber, CA 96035 Kevin & Linda Borror (530) 385-1570 Bryce Borror (530) 526-9404 Mike McCluskey (530) 736-3428 Bill Borror (530) 384-2788 E-mail: borror@theskybeam.com www.tehamaangus.com "Generations of Performance." Siller Ponderosa Angus Katherine Siller 1453 Bogue Rd. Yuba City, CA 95993 Home at Yuba City (530) 674-7136 Oregon House Ranch (530) 692-2930 Cell (530) 755-7357 Office (530) 674-9460 Fax (530) 674-7137 E-mail: kzangus@neteze.com Jim, Karen & Elizabeth Vietheer Mel Hansen • Darrell Hansen 11328 Randolph Rd. • P.O. Box 217 Wilton, CA 95693 www.haveangus.com jimvietheer@frontiernet.net • darrellhansen1@hotmail.com 916-834-2669 Jim's cell • 707-328-9349 Darrell's cell HAVE Angus CALIFORNIA ANGUS BREEDERS 15847 Ave 376 Visalia, CA 93292 Ron & Lisa Colburn 559-269-3175 Matt Avila, Manager 559-967+4599 www.colburncattle.com • colburncattleco@gmail.com