Ideal Conditions To Tackle Lameness In Sheep

With many parts of the country experiencing hot, dry weather now is the time for sheep

farmers to tackle lameness due to scald and foot rot in the flock say SAC's animal

health experts.

According to a team of SAC researchers who are visiting flocks to assess foot health,

levels of foot rot and scald are currently very low. This is because the spread of the

bacteria that cause these diseases is inhibited by hot, dry conditions. As moist

conditions return in the autumn, however, an increase in disease risk is expected -

unless farmers take appropriate action now.

Sheep affected by the disease should be segregated for treatment and/or culling.

These animals are carriers of disease and would otherwise be a source of infection for

the flock as moist conditions return.

1. Lameness due to scald and foot rot affects the great majority of British sheep flocks.

SAC has promoted a strategic approach to the control of lameness in sheep at sheep

open days and on monitor farms.

2. Lameness in sheep can have a significant adverse effect on both the physical and

economic performance of a flock. Lameness can be controlled through the

implementation of a whole flock programme. An effective programme will reduce the

number of NEW cases of lameness.

3. A typical annual programme involves

- Regular inspections and diagnosis of the causes of lameness

- Culling and/or treatment of affected sheep

- Segregation of treated sheep from sound sheep

- Routine foot paring

- Use of antibiotic injection and/or vaccine

- Quarantine programme for introduced sheep

4. Five steps to control lameness in sheep are recommended. These are

A. An accurate diagnosis is essential. The principal causes of foot lameness in sheep

are:-

- Scald or interdigital dermatitis

- Classical footrot

- White line degeneration/shelly hoof

- Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD)

- Granulomas (chronic infected foot)

B. Assess the handling facilities- The availability of clean dry facilities for handling

sheep are essential for effective bathing. If the handling facilities are not adequate,

flockowners should ask their vet about vaccination of the flock with a foot rot vaccine

(Footvax Schering-Plough Animal Health).

C. If the facilities for foot bathing are good, then this can be a valuable tool for the

control of lameness.

D. After foot bathing separate the lame sheep from the sound sheep. The lame should

be segregated and regarded as an infected or hospital group.

E. Assess the response to the treatment. Re-examine one week after treatment. Cull

the sheep that do not respond to the treatment programme, as they are chronic carriers

of infection.