COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HOOF DISEASES

The present invention is generally directed to compositions and methods for the treatment of an infectious disease of the foot of an animal. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method for preventing and/or treating one or more infectious diseases of the hoof in animals, comprising: preparing a copper-free and zinc-free composition comprising at least one cross- linking agent, wherein the cross-linking agent is not formaldehyde; and administering the composition to a lower leg and hoof area of said animal to prevent and/or treat said one or more infectious diseases. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a copper-free and zinc-free composition for the treatment and/or prevention of one or more infectious diseases of the hoof in animals, comprising at least one cross-linking agent, wherein said cross-linking agent is not formaldehyde. The present invention is also directed to a method for treating and / or preventing papillomatous digital dermatitis in an ungulate, comprising: preparing a copper-free and zinc- free composition comprising at least one cross-linking agent and at least one quaternary ammonium compound; and spraying or applying in a foam a therapeutically effective amount of said composition to a lower leg and hoof area of said ungulate in order to treat and / or prevent said papillomatous digitial dermatitis.