Cow hooves can get infected when the cows hooves skin is damaged.
When the cow hooves skin is damaged, it allows bacteria to enter the cows hooves and cause infections such as foot rot or toe abscesses.
The damage to a cows hooves can be caused by a variety of things which include exposure to wet conditions, rough terrain and sharp objects.
These things can compromise the cows hooves natural barrier from the bacteria and environment.
The skin that is between the cows hooves, the toe tip or the white line can become damaged by stepping on sharp objects, walking on rough or rocky terrain and even through friction from abrasive materials.
And the damaged skin of the cows hooves, create an opening for any bacteria from the ground they walk on to enter their hooves and cause infections.
Things that can further exacerbate the cows hooves infections are mud and manure and moisture and other dirty environments they are walking around in.
These things can create a breeding ground for bacteria and the softening of the cows hoof tissue, which makes it easier for the bacteria to enter the cows hooves.
Toe abscesses in cows are also common in feedlot cattle and are often caused by abrasive damage to the cows toe tip, which allows for bacteria to enter the white line and infect the claw.
And foot rot in cows is a more serious infection which can cause inflammation, pain and lameness and is often caused by the bacteria called Fusobacterium necrophorum.
To prevent a cows hooves from becoming infected you should regularly clean and dry the hooves to prevent bacteria from growing and do regular trimming of the cows hooves which can help to prevent imbalances and pressure points which can lead to infection and injury.