Warts on cattle
Bob Barnes, Information Officer, Client Information
Services
Revised by J.L. Roberts, Biosecurity
Cattle warts (Infectious Papillomatosis) is caused by a host specific papillomatomavirus that is rarely serious but causes warts to appear on the skin of the animal. Warts are usually confined to the neck and shoulder region but may be formed on other areas such as teats and penis. Cattle under two years of age are most susceptible and the condition usually clears up within six months without any treatment.
Methods of spread
The virus gains entry through any skin abrasion. The time taken for warts to develop after infection can be from one to twelve months.
Description
The four most common type of warts are squat, pendulated, flat and tags. They appear as raised hairless lesions (varying in size from a pea to a tennis ball). It is common for large warts to bleed especially by rubbing which can, in some instances, lead to bacterial infection that may require treatment.
In chronic infections some animals may lose condition, be stunted and very rarely death may occur.
Figure 2. Common warts on the skin
Figure 3. Common warts on the teats
Control
This virus is very infectious and infected animals should be kept separate, if possible, from healthy stock. Mustering, yarding, dipping and other husbandry practices should be kept to a minimum during any noticeable outbreak of warts.
On properties where warts are considered a problem, mustering and handling of young stock should take place before visible lesions appear.
A wart vaccine that was registered for use in Queensland was withdrawn by its manufacturer in June 1990. No vaccine is currently registered for use in Queensland.
Treatment
If nothing at all is done moderate wart infectious will finally clear up without treatment. Large pendulated lesions may be removed either surgically or tying off using a suitable ligature around the base. Alternatively, a wart ointment is available through veterinary suppliers and may be a useful treatment.
Should any doubt arise as to the seriousness of the wart infection in your cattle, the assistance of a veterinary surgeon is recommended.
Further information
DPI&F Business Information Centre: Phone 13 25 23 (Queensland residents) between 8 am and 6 pm.
DPI&F Information Centre: Phone (07) 3239 3110
Acknowledgement
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are taken from the Agnote "Warts on Cattle" (September 1985, Order No. 2795/85) of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria, and are used by permission.
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
Last updated 09 June 2005
