FOOT ROT IN SHEEP AND GOATS
The occurrence of footrot in small ruminants is a serious problem most farmers dread to ever see.
It accounts for severe economic losses as depicted by reduced body weight, poor growth, and decreased wool production.
Like Interdigital Dermatitis , Footrot is caused by Dichelobacter nodosus and often may follow untreated Interdigital Dermatitis.
It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among flocks via pasture and mud.
Warm and moist environments facilitate spread of the bacteria
CLINICAL SIGNS
It is among the main causes of Lameness in small ruminants.
Affected animals show extreme pain in affected limb and there is often a characteristic foul-smelling discharge.
Even in severe cases the whole hoof capsule may be shed.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Regular footbathing and movement control helps in preventing the disease but are not effective control or treatment methods.
Injection of a long acting antibiotic (specifically Oxyteracycline) into the muscles of the hind quarters at the recommended dose is effective for treating footrot in small ruminants.
Foot trimming has no role in treatment.
By-
Dr. Kingsley Emmanuel Bentum : Vetcall Services
