FOOTROT IN SHEEP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 January 1931, Page 7

FOOTROT IN SHEEP

SPONGINESS OF HOOF Foot-rot in sheep may ho caused by the horn of the foot becoming spongy through contact with continual moisture of wet country, says the “Banffshire Journal.” In this condition it is easily broken, and infection with dirt leads to extensive ulceration and consequent lameness. The most severe type of footrot is caused by infection with the bacillus necrophorus. This is very contagious and unless quickly attended to will rapidly spread through the flock. The first stage is due to softening of the horn by continual contact with moisture. Dirt accumulates between the digits, becoming hard and causing sores. Heat and swelling occur round the coronet at the junction of the horn and the skin, and a ring of spongy horn forms near the coronet. The disease quickly spreads between the claws and other parts of the foot, and the escape of pus laden with germs provides a ready means for spread of infection. Footrot may also be caused through blockage of the interdigital duct. The function of this duct is to supply the delicate skin and horn with an oily substance, which protects the parts from wet. When the duct fails to function the skin becomes harsh and dry, inflammation is set up and quickly spreads, sores form which become infected by germs, resulting in a very severe form of the disease.

In all cases the first symptom is lameness, and the sheep will at once begin to fall away in*condition. Later on the sheep may be seen grazing upon its knees, or even on its belly when the feet become too sore to carry the animal’s weight. Good results in treatment are claimed for a recent invention, which includes the use of medicated waterproof canvas boots, which are pulled over the infected foot like a sock and wired above the fetlock. In addition to its curative action, the escape of pus and consequent spread of infection are prevented.