Stop foot rot in livestock in its tracks

The breeding season is a time of high productivity for livestock farmers. However, a nasty disease called foot rot can throw a wrench into any production plans a farmer may have. Equipping farmers with the knowledge to identify and manage foot rot is of utmost importance.

Rungano Magadu, a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s faculty of veterinary science, delves into the causes and symptoms of foot rot. He also explains practical management practices specifically designed to minimise its impact during breeding and safeguard the health of your breeding stock.

According to Magadu, farmers can readily identify foot rot in their livestock by observing specific signs. He emphasises the importance of early detection. “The animals show up with lameness, meaning these varying degrees of inability to walk.”

This lameness can range from an abnormal posture to a complete inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Another important sign is the presence of lesions between the hooves.

Magadu clarifies that these cracks “are actually not in the hoof; it is in the skin that is in between the hoof”.

A foul-smelling discharge, often described as smelling like rotting flesh, typically emanates from these lesions.

Understanding the causes

Foot rot thrives in environments with prolonged moisture exposure. “So, if you have animals that are spending prolonged periods in muddy paddocks with their feet completely covered in mud, or where you have soils that are waterlogged, then this predisposes the animals to foot rot,” explains Magadu.

Additionally, Magadu says sharp objects like rocks or gravel embedded in muddy environments further aggravate the situation. These sharp objects can injure the delicate skin between the claws, creating entry points for bacteria.