Cutaneous Papillomatosis and its Surgical Management in a Cow

Papillomas or warts caused by species-specific viruses are common in cattle than in any other domestic animal. There are at least 6 distinct strains of Papilloma virus each causing lesions on specific parts of the body -BPV1 on nose, teats and glands penis, BPV2 on head, neck and brisket, BPV3 on head, neck and possibly intra-digital, BPV4 on alimentary track and bladder, BPV5 and BPV6 on teat. Most of these strains are mildly pathogenic and only cause minor problems on teat. Most of these strains are mildly pathogenic and only cause minor problems to the animal. The virus is transmitted by direct contact, contaminated equipments and possibly by insects, with the virus gaining entry through skin abrasions or wounds. The present study reports the occurrence of extensive cutaneous papillomatous warts encountered in a cross bred cow and their surgical management by excision and thermocautery.