• The most common infectious cause of teat disease in cattle.
• Caused by a virus and not to be confused with cowpox, which is rare.
• Since immunity is short-lived, cows can get infected fairly soon (often less than six months)
• after recovering from the disease.

SYMPTOMS

• Initial infection causes a small area of swelling and reddening on the teat.
• Over the next two days, the affected area elevates into an orange papule, which then scabs over.
• Seven to ten days after first signs the scabs start dropping off. This often leaves a horse-shoe or ring shaped area, which is very characteristic of pseudocowpox.
• Affected areas may grow together leading to scabs covering the entire length of the teat.
• Damaged teats are usually healed around a month after first signs.
• Lesions of pseudocowpox is usually found on the teat. However up to 10% of affected cows may have lesions on the udder skin.
• It can spread from cattle to man by contact. Skin infection in man is known as milker’s nodules, and is a painful localised infection.

PREVENTION

• Proper quarantine of newly purchased cows before introducing into the herd.
• Proper teat dipping using iodophor is one of the most effective means of control.
• Maintain proper hygiene in the shed.

TREATMENT

• Removal of scabs followed by  application of a suitable disinfectant .
• Emollient teat dips and sprays  have a beneficial effect of reducing bacteria and viruses on teat skin.
• Consult a veterinary doctor if above symptoms are seen.