Farm Animals

Sheep Footrot Control and Eradication

Footrot is one of the most significant causes of lameness in sheep worldwide, but it is potentially eradicable on individual farms with sustained commitment.

Key Facts

Footrot is caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus and is highly contagious
Infection causes severe lameness with green malodorous tissue between claws
Eradication is possible using a combination of vaccination, foot bathing, and culling
ZINPRO or zinc sulphate foot baths at 10% provide effective treatment
Eradication programmes require farmer commitment over 1-2 seasons

Welfare Considerations

Footrot causes severe, unnecessary pain for millions of sheep. Farm-level eradication is achievable and prevents ongoing suffering far more effectively than chronic treatment.

What You Can Do

Implement a footrot eradication or management programme with your vet
Vaccinate against footrot in high-prevalence flocks
Use foot bathing as a treatment and prevention tool regularly
Cull or treat persistently infected animals to reduce farm reservoir