Metals as Antimicrobials

Microbiologists at Radford University teamed up with a professor of farriery at Virginia Tech to investigate the efficacy of copper, zinc and silver powders or compounds as antimicrobial agents against bacteria (E. coli) in a laboratory model for the type of pathogens commonly causing hoof infections in horses, such as Treponema sp. (canker) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (abscesses, white line disease or thrush).

Samples of the bacteria were incubated under silicone padding, either made from impression material with the metals mixed into the silicone or with a thin layer of the metals placed under padding made with plain impression material. The survival of the bacteria under the pads was measured in each case.

The bacteria survived and grew under the pads when powdered metals or small metal crystals were mixed into the impression material. However, there was no growth under pads made with large crystals of copper sulphate or silver nitrate mixed into the silicone or a layer of small crystals of copper sulphate, silver nitrate or zinc sulphate on the bottom surface of the pads. The researchers concluded that to be effective as antimicrobials, the metals had to be free to dissolve away from the silicone padding or be in direct contact with the nutrient surface supporting the bacteria. Fortunately, it seemed as if only small amounts of the metals were needed, and the authors believe this may be a helpful approach to fighting hoof infections.

—  Caughron JE et al. EVE 2026 DOI:10.1111/eve.14201

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