With cold weather right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your hoof health regimen is ready for the months ahead. Winter conditions present several challenges. Freezing temperatures can prevent footbath set-up, and many anti-microbials are negatively affected by lower temperatures. Bacteria that cause hairy heel wart, on the other hand, are not as affected, and can remain active throughout the winter. Formaldehyde, commonly used to control bacteria and maintain hoof health in warmer temperatures, decreases in effectiveness at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some dairy producers in the Dakotas and elsewhere in the Great Plains states are finding winter-weather success with topical antiseptics like HealMax. Available as a spray, foam or footbath concentrate, HealMax delivers results year ‘round, without the disadvantages of formaldehyde.