Evaluation of treatment protocols for warts in dairy cattle with emphasis on efficacy and safety

Abstract

The study evaluated the effectiveness of different treatment regimens for bovine warts in dairy cattle under field conditions in the Dharmapuri region of Tamil Nadu. A total of 24 affected cattle were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: lithium antimony thiomalate (T1), autohemotherapy (T2), homeopathic medicine (T3), and combination therapy (T4). The highest wart regression was observed in group T4 (95.8±1.6%), followed by T1 (92.4±2.1%). Recovery was also fastest in T4, with complete regression achieved in 34±1.5 days, compared with the longest recovery period in T3 (49±2.6 days). Wart recurrence was lowest in T4 (6.2±1.1%) and highest in T3 (21.4±2.3%). The highest lymphocyte count was recorded in T4 (38±1.6%), suggesting an enhanced immune response. In addition, the greatest increase in milk yield was observed in T4 (21.6±2.5%). Overall, the findings demonstrate that combination therapy, followed by lithium antimony thiomalate, is effective and safe for the management of bovine warts under field conditions.