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🐑 Footrot Prevention in Sheep

Understanding Footrot

Footrot (infectious pododermatitis) is caused by the synergistic action of two bacteria: Fusobacterium necrophorum (ubiquitous in soil) and Dichelobacter nodosus (the key pathogen, spread between sheep). D. nodosus infection transforms foot scald (interdigital dermatitis) into the characteristic underrunning of the hoof horn that defines true footrot.

Footrot causes intense pain. Affected sheep kneel to feed, lose body condition, suffer during mating, and in severe cases cannot access water or food. Ewe productivity is severely impaired: affected ewes produce lighter lambs and have reduced milk yield.

The Welfare Case for Prevention

Treatment of individual cases with footrot is time-consuming, requires repeat handling, and even with treatment full recovery takes weeks. Prevention through vaccination and management is far more effective from both welfare and economic perspectives. Eradication — eliminating D. nodosus from the flock entirely — is achievable and gives permanent benefit.

Footrot vs Foot Scald

Distinguishing foot scald from footrot is important for choosing appropriate interventions:

• Foot scald (interdigital dermatitis): Reddening and moistness between the toes; mild lameness; does not underrun the horn; caused by Fusobacterium alone; responds to foot bathing
• Footrot: Characteristic foul smell; undermining/separation of the horn from the sensitive laminae; severe lameness; requires antibiotic treatment in addition to foot bathing

Prevention Strategies

Vaccination

Footvax (Foot Rot Vaccine) is highly effective when used correctly. Vaccination stimulates immunity against D. nodosus strains in the vaccine. Key points:

• Primary course: two injections 6 weeks apart
• Booster: every 6 months (or before high-risk periods: autumn/spring in wet conditions)
• Vaccination reduces severity and duration of cases; combined with management can achieve eradication
• Vaccine is a subcutaneous injection; site reactions are common — do not inject in neck (avoid welfare and carcass problems)

Foot Bathing

Regular foot bathing with zinc sulphate (10%) or copper sulphate reduces D. nodosus transmission:

• Foot scald: daily foot bathing for 5 days dramatically speeds recovery
• Prevention: foot bath at housing, before and after grazing wet pastures
• Ensure sheep stand in solution for 1 minute minimum; do not use formalin in ewes in late pregnancy

Biosecurity

D. nodosus can only survive 2 weeks in soil without a sheep host. Introduction of the pathogen always comes from new sheep. Prevention measures:

• Inspect feet of all purchased sheep before introduction
• Quarantine all bought-in sheep for at least 2 weeks; examine feet at end of quarantine
• Foot-bath all bought-in sheep on arrival
• Avoid common grazings with other flocks during outbreak periods

Treatment and Control During Outbreaks

Identifying Cases

Lame sheep must be examined promptly — within 24–48 hours. Prolonged untreated lameness causes chronic pain and increases transmission. Paring of affected feet should be minimal (enough to diagnose, expose lesion to treatment) — aggressive paring causes pain and tissue damage.

Antibiotic Treatment

True footrot cases require systemic antibiotic treatment (oxytetracycline or penicillin injections, or long-acting formulations). Topical antibiotic sprays are less effective for established cases but may help early lesions. Antibiotic use should be guided by a herd/flock health plan and veterinary direction.

Segregation

Separate lame sheep from the rest of the flock during treatment to reduce transmission. Graze segregated sheep on dry pastures.

Eradication

Flock eradication of footrot is achievable and worthwhile. The key steps:

1. Treat ALL sheep simultaneously (vaccination + antibiotic)
2. Move all sheep off contaminated pastures for 2+ weeks (D. nodosus survival time)
3. Return to clean pastures; maintain strict quarantine for bought-in stock
4. Continue vaccination programme; any cases that arise treat immediately and segregate

The AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Sheep Lameness Five Point Plan provides detailed guidance for UK producers.