Bovine papillomatosis (warts)
Bovine papillomatosis is warts in cattle. The condition is caused by a virus and mainly affects young animals, from calves a few weeks old to cattle under two years of age. It is a benign condition: the animal remains healthy with no fever,...
What is it?
Bovine papillomatosis is warts in cattle. The condition is caused by a virus and mainly affects young animals, from calves a few weeks old to cattle under two years of age.
It is a benign condition: the animal remains healthy with no fever, and most warts disappear on their own within a few months.
The disease is contagious between cattle through direct contact and shared equipment: in some herds, nearly all young animals develop it.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Dry, grayish or pinkish skin growths with a rough, cauliflower-like surface, or appearing as small fronds.
They appear mainly on the head, around the eyes and mouth, on the neck and shoulders.
In heifers, warts may develop on the teats, appearing as small smooth bumps or fronds.
Small lumps on or around the lips in some young animals.
They grow slowly over several weeks and may appear singly or in groups.
The animal has no fever, eats normally, does not lose weight, and milk production is unaffected.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Warts are caused by papillomaviruses specific to cattle.
The virus enters through small skin wounds: abrasions, scratches, ear tags, tattoos, or needle pricks.
It causes skin cells to grow excessively, creating the cauliflower-like appearance.
Over time, the animal develops its own immune response, and the warts typically disappear on their own.
Young age: the condition mainly affects cattle younger than two years.
Heifers before their first calf, for teat warts.
Young animals grouped together with frequent contact with one another.
Shared equipment not cleaned between animals, minor skin injuries.
Transmission
Through direct contact between cattle, especially among young animals housed together.
Through shared equipment: halters, ropes, feed troughs, brushes, ear tag pliers, and reused needles.
Through hands and milking equipment in the case of teat warts.
Bovine papillomatosis does not transmit to humans.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The vet usually recognizes warts by their appearance and the fact that the animal is otherwise in good health.
He checks for absence of fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and bumps that appeared suddenly, to rule out lumpy skin disease.
If there is doubt, he can take a sample of the lesion and send it to the laboratory.
He examines the teats of heifers and cows to assess whether the warts will interfere with milking.
Treatment
In the vast majority of cases, no treatment is needed: the warts regress on their own over several months.
When a wart is bothersome, for example at the tip of a teat or if it bleeds frequently, the vet can remove it.
Do not pull off or burn warts yourself: the wound becomes easily infected and the virus spreads.
The decision on any possible treatment is up to the vet.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Isolate young animals with numerous warts to limit contact.
Clean and disinfect shared equipment: halters, ropes, brushes, tag applicators.
Use a new needle for each animal.
Prevent skin injuries: install barriers, head gates, and troughs with smooth edges.
Monitor the teats of heifers before their first calving and inform your vet if warts appear.
Possible complications
Teat warts that interfere with or make milking painful.
Damaged or torn warts that bleed and become infected, or attract flies in warm weather.
Hide devaluation when warts are numerous and extensive.
When to see a veterinarian
Bumps appeared within a few days, with fever, nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, or a drop in milk production: call immediately, these are not warts.
A wart at the tip of a teat interferes with milking.
A wart is bleeding, becoming infected, or attracting flies.
Warts continue to spread after several months.
An adult animal has numerous warts or warts that are not regressing.
Prognosis
Excellent in the vast majority of cases: warts disappear on their own within a few months and the animal suffers no lasting effects.
On the teats, interference with milking may require veterinary intervention.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell the difference between warts and contagious nodular dermatosis?
Warts resemble cauliflowers, develop slowly over several weeks, especially in young animals, and the animal remains in good condition with no fever. Nodular dermatitis causes round, firm bumps to appear in the skin within a few days, following a fever, with enlarged lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and a drop in milk production. If in doubt, call your veterinarian without delay.
Should warts be treated?
Most often, no: they disappear on their own within a few months. The veterinarian intervenes mainly when a wart interferes with milking or becomes infected.
Will my other calves get some?
It's possible: the virus spreads from one animal to another through direct contact and shared equipment. Cleaning equipment, using a separate needle for each animal, and limiting contact with young carriers helps slow transmission.
Can I catch warts from my cows?
No, bovine warts are caused by viruses specific to cattle and are not transmitted to humans.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 October 2026
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