- Teat warts are caused by virus and heifers are more prone to infection.
- Teat warts may appear as fleshy lumps or they may be of the feathery type.
- Teat warts are generally more of an unsightly appearance issue rather than a serious physical problem. But may hamper milking.
PREVENTION
- Disinfection of stalls etc, can reduce transmission.
- The virus is thought to be transmitted by flies, so fly control is also important.
- Teat warts can sometimes be prevented by mixing heifers with cows when they are younger.
TREATMENT
- Treatment is not usually required, as most warts eventually regress spontaneously.
- Surgical removal is possible but may lead to recurrence.
- Removal should only be done on mature growths, since removing warts too soon can stimulate the growth and spread the virus.
- Large pedunculated warts can be removed slowly by tying a ligature around the base. The wart will dry up and fall off within a month.
- Consult a veterinarian for further advice on treatment.