Controlling Footrot

Footrot can be controlled in 3 ways:

• destocking infected sheep
• footbathing infected sheep
• strategic vaccination prior to the main 'spread' period.

Destocking

Producers may choose to send infected animals direct to slaughter. Slaughtering all infected animals means the property will be free of footrot bacteria after 7 days.

Consider the following before destocking infected sheep:

• slaughter value
• replacement cost
• whether infected and non-infected sheep can be kept separate
• costs of control and an eradication program.

Footbathing

Footbathing in zinc sulphate solution can manage the spread of footrot until animals are slaughtered, or to prepare them for footrot eradication.

Footbathing can:

• reduce the severity of infection
• limit the number of sheep being infected
• make eradicating footrot easier.

This method involves:

• mixing zinc sulphate powder and water
• standing sheep in the solution for at least 10 minutes.

Footbathing alone will not eradicate footrot, but will reduce the disease to a more manageable level. Complete the footbathing process at least 6 weeks before trying to eradicate footrot to make lesions easier to identify.

Consult your veterinarian or livestock expert for advice on footbathing

How to control footrot with footbathing

1. Mix a solution that is 10% zinc sulphate and water. The correct ratio is 1kg of zinc sulphate to 9 litres of water.
2. Include a wetting agent such as Sodium Laurel Sulphate at 1 – 2% to improve the effectiveness of the footbathing solution.
3. Use a footbath with high enough sides to prevent sheep from walking along the edge and avoiding the solution. It should also be large enough to contain several sheep at once, depending on mob size.
4. The solution must be deep enough to cover the whole hoof and fetlock area.
5. Stand animals in the footbath solution for at least 10 minutes.

See pages 55 – 64 of Footrot: A guide to identification and control in the field for more detailed information on footbathing.

Vaccinating

Vaccination is a useful tool in controlling both the severity and prevalence of footrot in known infected flocks.

There is only one commercially available vaccine for treating footrot – Coopers Footvax®. It is a killed multi-serotype (10 strain) vaccine registered to aid the control of footrot in sheep and lambs.

Unlike many other vaccinations, footrot vaccines do not offer an extended period of protection against infection. Other biosecurity measures must be employed to prevent incursions of footrot in unaffected flocks.

The use of footrot vaccine should be discussed with your local vet or PIRSA animal health staff, as programs to utilise vaccines are specific and need to be carefully planned. Chief Inspector of Stock (CIS) permission is required to supply or use Footvax® in South Australia.

To apply to use Footvax® in your flock, contact:

SA Footrot Program Manager
Phone: (08) 8568 6415