Description
This self-paced course focuses on the diagnosis, impact, treatment, and control of digital dermatitis in beef cattle. Topics include lesion progression, effects on performance, and treatment and control options currently used in beef production systems. The course features a recorded webinar presented by Dr. Jan Shearer, DVM, MS. Participants who meet the completion requirements will earn 0.5 hours of veterinary continuing education (CE) credit through the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.
Syllabus
Description
Digital dermatitis is a growing concern in beef cattle operations, impacting both performance and animal welfare. This course features a recorded webinar presented by Dr. Jan Shearer, DVM, MS, a leading authority on bovine lameness and hoof care. He discusses diagnosis, lesion progression, and the impact of the disease, along with treatment and control options currently used in feedlot and cow-calf settings. (Recorded September 10, 2024)
Learning Objectives
Individuals who complete this course will be able to:
- Recognize common lesion types and describe their progression.
- Describe the impact of digital dermatitis on cattle performance and welfare.
- Understand why diagnosis can be difficult in affected animals.
- Identify control strategies currently being used in beef cattle settings.
Course Content
This course contains:
- A recorded webinar and full transcript covering the topic
- A five-question quiz required for CE credit
- An optional course evaluation survey
Presenter: Jan Shearer, DVM, MS
Dr. Shearer serves the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine as an Extension Veterinarian. In this role he is responsible for the development and delivery of veterinary extension programs designed primarily to meet the needs of Iowa’s dairy farmers, veterinarians, and the allied agri-business industry. In cooperation with Extension Faculty from the Department of Animal Sciences and Iowa State’s statewide network of county and regional extension specialists, Dr. Shearer works to meet the needs of Iowa’s cattle industry with specific emphasis on bovine lameness and welfare issues.
He and his colleague Dr. Sarel van Amstel from the University of Tennessee are probably best known for establishing the Master Hoof Care Program, a training program designed to teach on-farm employees how to properly trim and treat foot problems. This program has acquired international prominence for its impact on foot health in dairy cattle.
Dr. Shearer has been honored by The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners with the Alpharma Award of Excellence, by the AVMA in 2011 as recipient of the AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and in 2015 with the Delaval Dairy Extension Award.
Continuing Education (CE) Credit
This course is approved for 0.5 hours of veterinary continuing education (CE) credit by the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.
To earn CE credit, you must:
- View the full presentation or read the transcript
- Complete the 5-question quiz with at least 4 correct answers
- Download your CE certificate (instructions are provided in the module)
Please note: It is the participant’s responsibility to verify whether CE credit from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college meets the requirements of their state or licensing jurisdiction.
Course Evaluation
A brief, optional evaluation is available at the end of the course. Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve future courses.
Accessibility & Support
- All videos include closed captions and downloadable transcripts.
- For disability-related accommodations, contact MU Extension ADA Support
- Canvas Support: teachingtools@umsystem.edu
- Course Coordinator: Craig Payne
Accommodations
We all learn differently, and we want every student to succeed. University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with this course, or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made.
MU Extension Equal opportunity, ADA institution information
Inclusive Course Design
This course was created with a wide range of learners in mind. The materials are designed to be accessible and support different ways of learning.
Technical Requirements
Minimum Technology
- A reliable high-speed internet connection (DSL or cable recommended)
- A computer with an up-to-date operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- A current web browser, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari
- A processor speed of at least 1 GHz (or higher)
Technical & Digital Information Literacy Skills
- Ability to download, open, and save Microsoft Word and PDF documents
- Basic familiarity with Canvas features
- Use of basic computer peripherals: speakers or headphones for audio
Download the Canvas Student App to access your Canvas course from your mobile device.
For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome (Safari for Macintosh). If you don't have Google Chrome installed on your computer, you can download it here.
If you have technical questions or need help, please email Canvas Support. You can find additional technical information on the Canvas website.
Course Completion
Upon completion of all required components, participants may download a CE certificate from within the Canvas course. If needed, a transcript of completed MU Extension online courses may also be accessed through your Catalog account.
