This article was originally published with the title “Foot Rot in Sheep” inScientific American Magazine Vol. 10 No. 23(February 1855), p. 179doi:10.1038/scientificamerican02171855-179c ...

Books Received Published: 13 October 1892 Contagious Foot Rot in Sheep W. T. Nature 46, 560–561 (1892) Cite this article ...

Sheep are usually more severely affected than goats. It is estimated that five to 10 per cent of infected sheep become chronic carriers of foot rot.

Davis discusses foot rot and gives prevention and treatment options. “Foot rot is caused by bacteria entering the compromised skin or hoof wall integrity,” says Davis.

Weaning/growing: vaccinate against foot-rot at weaning if not done during scanning. If animals were vaccinated at scanning time, a booster vaccination may be required.

Additionally, Foot rot can be controlled naturally by breeding for sheep with this natural resistance. A vaccine against the disease is available, although this method of prevention can be expensive.