Sheep Foot Rot Eradication Programme Success

Foot rot eradication is achievable in sheep flocks through systematic programmes. Understanding successful eradication approaches motivates and guides farmers toward this high-return welfare investment.

Key Facts

The AHDB Healthy Feet Programme has demonstrated foot rot eradication in participating flocks within 3 years
Key eradication steps include vaccination, systematic treatment, footbathing, and culling persistently infected animals
Introducing new sheep that have not been tested for Dichelobacter nodosus is the most common cause of programme failure
Post-eradication maintenance requires ongoing biosecurity and prompt treatment of any new cases
Economic returns from eradication include improved growth rates, better body condition, and reduced treatment costs
Neighbour cooperation reduces reintroduction risk in areas where flocks share boundaries or animals are traded

Welfare Considerations

Foot rot eradication delivers permanent welfare improvement rather than ongoing management of endemic disease. A flock that has eliminated foot rot eliminates the chronic lameness burden that foot rot creates in every subsequent generation of sheep. The initial investment in systematic treatment, vaccination, and selective culling creates a welfare legacy that benefits every animal born into the flock for years afterward. This makes eradication one of the highest-return welfare investments in sheep farming.

What You Can Do

Register your flock with the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme or equivalent eradication scheme
Vaccinate all sheep in the flock before the main footrot season
Implement a robust quarantine and testing protocol for all new sheep entering the flock
Maintain records of lameness incidence by cause to track eradication progress
Cull chronic carriers promptly — they are the primary source of ongoing flock infection
Engage your vet in developing a written eradication plan with clear milestones and timelines