Phases of the disease
Infectious Ovine Pododermatitis is a highly contagious disease that in favourable environmental conditions can affect a substantial part of the herd.
Infectious pododermatitis or footrot is a disease that causes major economic losses.
The pathogen that causes it, Dichelobacter nodosus, releases toxins, proteases and haemolysins. It first affects the soft structures of the hoof, which is when a highly characteristic putrid odour is given off. In more advanced cases, laminitis and detachment of the hoof occur.
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Score A – Interdigital dermatitis + skin loss + moist area
Score B – More advanced interdigital dermatitis + necrotic tissue + foul odour
Score C – Chronic process + severe lameness +
Score D – Separation of the hoof + contamination by other pathogens
The disease can progress in two ways:
● Self-limiting progression: The animals can be chronically infected, forming a reservoir.
● Acute progression: the disease progresses rapidly and the animal is in pain.
Correct treatment of clinical cases
All lame animals should be separated off and treated appropriately:
● Clean the hoof and the interdigital space.
● Trim the hoof wall from the heel to the tip.
● Remove necrotic tissue.
● Apply disinfectant spray and/or antibiotic if necessary.
● Keep the animal on clean and dry ground.
Control and preventive measures
● Separate infected animals.
● Run the animals through a footbath containing zinc sulphate + surfactant (for 15 minutes).
● Trim the hooves and treat the infection.
● Sacrifice chronically infected animals.
● 14-day quarantine.
● Do not buy animals from farms with cases of footrot.
● Vaccinate the whole herd.
Vaccination of the whole herd is one of the most effective ways of controlling footrot.
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The greatest benefits are achieved when several preventive measures are combined, according to the requirements of each herd.
Conclusions
● The best way of controlling the problem is a good vaccination programme with appropriate management.
● Separation of lame animals and culling of chronically infected animals are essential measures to control the disease.