Foot rot is one of the most common and costly diseases affecting sheep, causing lameness, pain, and loss of productivity. Left untreated, it can quickly spread through a flock, leading to severe mobility issues and increased culling rates. Fortunately, early detection, proper treatment, and strict prevention measures can keep your flock healthy and free from this highly contagious disease.
Understanding how foot rot develops, what symptoms to watch for, and the best treatment and prevention strategies can help protect your sheep and minimize both pain and economic losses.
What is Foot Rot?
Foot rot is a bacterial infection of the hoof that affects the soft tissue between the toes and the hard hoof wall. It is caused by the combined action of two bacteria:
- Fusobacterium necrophorum – a normal inhabitant of soil and manure that weakens the skin between the hooves.
- Dichelobacter nodosus – an aggressive bacteria that invades damaged tissue and destroys the hoof’s connective structures, leading to severe lameness.
Foot rot is highly contagious and thrives in wet, muddy conditions, making it more prevalent in the spring and fall. The bacteria spread through infected hooves, contaminated pastures, and direct contact between animals.
Read more about best practices for controlling foot rot
Recognizing the Symptoms of Foot Rot
Foot rot progresses through different stages, making early detection critical for successful treatment.
Early Symptoms
- Mild lameness or reluctance to walk.
- Redness and swelling between the toes (interdigital dermatitis).
- Increased moisture and bad odor coming from the foot.
Advanced Symptoms
- Severe hoof wall separation, exposing the sensitive tissues underneath.
- Strong foul-smelling discharge from infected areas.
- Progression of lameness, causing sheep to lie down more frequently and graze less.
Chronic Cases
- Hoof deformities and permanent damage to the foot structure.
- Weight loss due to reduced mobility and difficulty eating.
- Increased risk of secondary infections and complications.
If more than 5 percent of your flock is affected, immediate action is necessary to control the outbreak and prevent long-term damage.
More on identifying foot rot and scald in sheep
Treating Foot Rot in Sheep
A multi-step approach is the most effective way to eliminate foot rot and prevent reinfection.
1. Isolate Infected Sheep
To stop the spread, separate affected animals and house them in dry, clean areas while they receive treatment.
2. Hoof Trimming
Carefully trim away overgrown or infected tissue to allow air exposure and improve treatment effectiveness. Avoid excessive trimming, as this can cause pain and further damage.
3. Footbaths
Soaking hooves in a zinc sulfate or copper sulfate solution helps kill bacteria and promote healing. Footbaths should be used for at least 15 minutes and repeated once or twice a week during an outbreak.
4. Antibiotic Therapy
For severe infections, injectable or topical antibiotics may be prescribed by a veterinarian. Antibiotics should always be used in combination with proper hoof trimming and footbathing for best results.
5. Improve Housing Conditions
Providing dry, well-ventilated areas for sheep reduces moisture buildup and creates an environment that is less favorable to foot rot bacteria.
Learn more about effective foot rot treatments
Preventing Foot Rot: Long-Term Strategies
Prevention is far more effective than treatment, especially in high-risk environments. Implementing strict biosecurity measures and good flock management can dramatically reduce foot rot cases.
1. Quarantine New and Returning Sheep
New or returning sheep should be isolated for at least 30 days and examined for hoof health before introduction to the main flock.
2. Regular Hoof Maintenance
Schedule routine hoof trimming every few months to prevent overgrowth and detect early signs of infection.
3. Footbathing as Routine Prevention
Using weekly or monthly footbaths with zinc sulfate in high-risk seasons (spring and fall) can prevent bacteria from taking hold.
4. Improve Pasture and Housing Conditions
- Rotate grazing pastures to limit bacterial buildup in soil.
- Provide well-drained, dry areas for feeding and resting.
- Avoid overcrowding, which increases moisture and contamination.
5. Vaccination for High-Risk Flocks
Certain vaccines can help reduce foot rot severity and bacterial spread in flocks with persistent outbreaks. Consult your veterinarian to determine if vaccination is a suitable option.
More on foot rot prevention strategies
The Five-Point Plan for Lameness Control
The Five-Point Plan is a widely used strategy for reducing foot rot in sheep:
- Cull chronically infected animals to remove persistent carriers.
- Treat affected sheep early to prevent further spread.
- Quarantine new animals before introduction to the flock.
- Regular footbathing to lower infection risks.
- Improve environmental conditions to create a less favorable habitat for bacteria.
By following these steps consistently, foot rot incidence can be reduced significantly, leading to a healthier and more productive flock.
Read more about the Five-Point Plan
When to Call a Veterinarian
Seek veterinary assistance if:
- Lameness persists despite trimming and footbathing.
- Multiple sheep are affected despite treatment efforts.
- A sheep becomes non-weight bearing, indicating severe pain and infection.
- You need guidance on vaccination protocols and long-term prevention.
At Rustebakke Veterinary Service, we provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies to keep your flock sound and productive.
Foot rot is a serious and highly contagious disease, but with early detection, proper treatment, and proactive prevention, you can minimize its impact on your flock. By implementing good biosecurity, regular hoof care, and environmental improvements, foot rot outbreaks can be effectively controlled or even prevented altogether.
If your flock is struggling with foot rot, or if you need help developing a customized prevention plan, our veterinary team is here to help.
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