Footrot vigilance delivers benefits for producers

Vets in the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority are commending the efforts of sheep producers in maintaining low footrot prevalence which has resulted in improved animal welfare outcomes and production benefits.

While recent seasonal conditions have been welcomed, they have also resulted in increased livestock health challenges for sheep producers including the risk that footrot may re-appear.

Steve Eastwood, New England LHPA senior district vet, says despite the improvement in the season they were not seeing an increase in footrot infections and prevalence levels.

"We conduct annual footrot surveys on randomly selected properties, assessing greater than 150 sheep on each property," said Mr Eastwood.

"The results of the surveys so far indicate that our systems are working as footrot prevalence has not increased."

Mr Eastwood says there are currently only two properties quarantined in the New England LHPA district.

"Compare this to 1378 properties that were quarantined in 2000, and this is a dramatic improvement," he said.

"Most importantly, maintaining the low prevalence level is a huge boost to the welfare of sheep across NSW, which invariably results in production gains.

"We will continue to survey sheep properties to ensure early recognition, containment and eradication of footrot should the disease re-appear."

Sheep farmers are urged to remain vigilant, only buying sheep accompanied by an owner/vendor declaration for footrot, such as the National Sheep Health Statement. 

Footrot is a contagious bacterial disease of sheep and goats. In its virulent form the disease causes severe pain to the affected animal and results in significant economic losses. NSW was declared free of virulent footrot in August 2009.

For more information on footrot and flock health contact your local LHPA office.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378