Footrot

Footrot is a contagious bacterial disease in sheep and goats that may cause lameness. This disease can bring significant economic loss to producers through reducing ewe fertility, growth rates, wool growth, and sheep sales.

Any suspicion or detection of footrot must be immediately reported to PIRSA staff who will assist with next steps.

^{Map of footrot investigations in South Australia}

Footrot Management Program

The SA Footrot Management Program is funded by the South Australian Sheep Industry Fund and managed by PIRSA.

As of 1 January 2025, footrot will change from a notifiable disease to a notifiable (report only) disease in South Australia. This means all forms of footrot or suspicion of footrot will remain notifiable under the Livestock Act 1997 and must be reported to PIRSA staff so a correct diagnosis and assistance can be given.

There will no longer be movement restrictions for properties with infected or suspect flocks, apart from sales and movements to saleyards, or other congregation points (showgrounds, field days etc.) that are not approved by the Chief Inspector of Stock.

The following additional requirements will continue:

• if a person knows or has reason to suspect that livestock owned by or under his or her control are affected with footrot, the person must take all reasonable measures to control or eradicate the footrot
• a person must not do an act intending that, or being recklessly indifferent as to whether, livestock become affected or further affected with footrot
• a person must not, without the approval of the Chief Inspector of Stock, bring footrot into the state or cause footrot to be brought into the state.

Identify and control footrot

Learn how to recognise the disease in your flock and manage the impacts:

• footrot causes, symptoms, and diagnosis
• next steps after a footrot detection
• control or eradicate footrot
• Footrot – a guide to identification and control in the field (PDF).

Requirements for trading sheep

Before buying sheep, check the health status on their NVD and NSHD.

There are no trade restrictions on footrot infected flocks, but an accurate diagnosis and prior declaration of footrot status is essential. Only saleyards at Naracoorte and Mt Gambier will accept consignments from flocks confirmed as infected or suspect with footrot.

Movement requirements for sending sheep interstate vary – producers should check with the requirements of other states before consigning sheep outside of South Australia.

All sheep must be fit to load and able to bear weight on all 4 feet prior to transport.

Find out more about SA's livestock movement rules for sheep.

Footrot contractors

Livestock contractors in South Australia can undertake training through PIRSA to become an approved footrot contractor – register your interest with the SA Footrot Program Manager.