Wet winter prediction signals foot problems

Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority veterinarians are recommending sheep producers implement management practices to avoid foot problems associated with wet weather.

Foot abscess is one of the most significant problems in grown sheep during a wet winter, according to Dan Salmon, Riverina LHPA senior district veterinarian.

"It is an infection of the last joint of the toe and the infected foot swells up and becomes very painful," he said.

"Sheep with foot abscess are very lame and lose condition. Pregnant ewes with foot abscesses often develop pregnancy toxaemia and may die."

Dr Salmon said producers can limit the incidence of foot abscess by paying attention to the contributing factors.

"Foot abscesses start off when feet, which have become soft from being constantly wet, come into contact with bacteria which are common in dung," said Dr Salmon.

"Nothing will completely stop foot abscess during a wet winter, but good management and prompt treatment can substantially reduce the trouble it causes.

"Heavy sheep, particularly rams and pregnant ewes, are more likely to get foot abscess than lighter sheep, so run them in the best-drained paddocks.

"Try to not run sheep through yards when they have been on wet paddocks. If you absolutely have to handle sheep when the paddocks are wet you should footbath them in 10% zinc sulphate – this will not stop the foot abscess completely but it will reduce the number of sheep that get it.

Dr Salmon said the bacteria that cause foot abscess are common in dung so it cannot be eradicated like the bacteria which cause footrot.

"Because foot abscess occurs inside the flesh, footbathing will not cure it. The most effective treatment for foot abscess is an injection of antibiotic – this is a prescription-only treatment so you must consult a veterinarian. This way you also have the added benefit of making sure that it is not footrot," he said.

"The earlier a sheep with foot abscess is treated the more likely it is to recover. It is very hard to cure an abscess that is more than a week old and it will often end up making the sheep slightly lame for the rest of its life."

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378