Rain Scald (Dermatophilosis)

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NADIS data show that the number of cases of rain scald are highest in the winter months

What is rain scald

Rain scald is a skin disease seen in all ages of cattle, but particularly youngstock. It is caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis. It is commonly associated with wet weather (hence the name). The same organism causes mud fever in horses

Clinical Signs

Begins as a moist circular patch, often with matted hairs which give a characteristic paint brush appearance
Typically seen on muzzle, tips of ears, withers, but rapidly spreads - can involve up to half the skin area in severe cases
Cattle are usually otherwise heathy, there are no systemic effects.

Dermatophilosis - Bovine close-up of raised crusts.

Diagnosis

On the clinical signs described above
Smears from freshly affected skin will contain bacteria which can be identified under the microscope

Treatment

There is no completely effective treatment, particularly for severe cases.

Many antibiotics are effective, particularly penicillins. Ask your vet for advice.

Keeping the skin dry (i.e. bringing the cattle indoors) is often more effective than any treatment.

Injections of anti-inflammatories significantly improve cow well-being and help to restore the cow to normal production more quickly

Local disinfection and treatment are necessary in more severe cases

Prevention

The disease usually disappears in dry weather, but weather is not something over which there is much control. Providing shelter can significantly reduce the risk of rain scald. However, trees are not suitable, particularly if they have low branches as the associated skin trauma, although mild can significantly increase the risk of rain scald No vaccine is currently available, even though one was at an experimental stage 16 years ago!

NADIS (National Animal Disease Information Service) is a network of 40 veterinary practices and 6 veterinary colleges monitoring diseases in cattle, sheep and pigs in the UK, including BPEX, EBLEX, HCC, QMS, Elanco Animal Health, MLC and Merial

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