• 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.