MALIGNANT FOOTROT.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1939, Page 3

MALIGNANT FOOTROT.

This is a very severe and acute form of footrot associated with intense pain and the spread of inflammation and suppuration to the tissues above and around the hoof. It is believed to bo caused by an organism distinct from that causing typical footrot. As a general rule recovery is slow and unless the animal is young or valuable, it is doubtful whether treatment is worth while. The hoof should be carefully pared and hot antiseptic fomentations applied three or four times a day. Where pus formation in the deeper tissues is suspected an incision should be made to allow this to drain away. Twice daily irrigation of the wound with warm antiseptic solutions usually leads to recovery. The foot must be kept clean and every endeavour made to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Footrot is a specific contagious disease of sheep—and as far as it yet known—of sheep only. Therefore it cannot occur except when the causal agent is present. The causal agent cannot survive longer than a few weeks apart from the sheep. The efficient treatment of affected animals should entirely rid the property of infection and provided suitable steps are taken to prevent reinfection the property should remain free of the disease. For humane, as well as for economic reasons, the complete eradication of this disease should be the object of every flock owner,