Bovine viral papillomatosis (warts) is an infectious disease of the skin in mainly young cattle which occurs worldwide and is caused by one of five or six strains of bovine papilloma virus. It is also much more common in dairy cattle than in beef cattle.

Different strains of warts appear to have preferred anatomical predilection sites – nose, teats, penis for one strain; skin of the face, head, neck for another; and the digestive tract and urinary tract for another.

The appearance of the warts can vary from frond-like progressing to large cauliflower-like lesion (fibropapillomas) to smooth rice-grain warts (epithelial papillomas).

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Infection with the papilloma virus can be spread by either direct contact with infected animals or indirectly by fomites, eg from briar or fences through minor abrasions or by the direct or indirect effect of ectoparasites (flies or midges).

The treatment of warts can have various levels of success. In uncomplicated cases, little treatment is required and most lesions will regress themselves within 12 months.

Autogenous vaccines (vaccines made for the individual animals involved using their own tissue) can give varied results according to the experts, yet in practice we have often found them quite good.

Surgical excision may sometimes be of benefit, or even necessary, with penile and teat lesions.

Various measures may help in prevention, such as the avoidance of sharp or abrasive elements on the farm – this may involve the checking of all fencing and the cutting or removal of any scrubs on the land.

Ectoparasite control, especially of flies, is another major factor to consider, which may not only aid in the spread of warts, but also mastitis.

Padraig Duggan works at Killenaule Vets, Killenaule, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Killenaule Vets is part of XLVets. XLVets is a group of progressive practices which are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. See www.xlvets.ie for more.