FOOT DISEASES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 159, 21 June 1935, Page 10

FOOT DISEASES

Hawke’s Bay Sheep Flocks VETERINARIAN’S ADVICE At the field-day held on “The Park” and “Hollycombe” properties of MessrS W. A. and J. Tod recently, mention was made of the occurrence of a certain form of fopt-rot in Hawke’s Bay thus season, in which the tissues at the top of the hoof broke out rather like a boil, and it was apparent that a number of the farmers present were somewhat perturbed about this condition. Inquiries made by the “Herald” from the Government Veterinarian, Mr E. E. Elphick, however, revealed that this trouble was a secondary one, following on foot rot or foot-scald.

“I have had a number of inquiries about this condition,” stated Mr Elphick, when the question was raised by the “Herald.” “When this affection occurs, it is caused by a secondary infection taking place, following on foot-rot or scald. The foot-rot affords a point of entry for other bacteria, leading to abscess formations, like boils. Dirty pastures which are teeming with bacteria, will quickly lead to such trouble once foot-rot and scald are allowed to go unchecked, particular ly in a season such as the present, which has been very favourable for the spread of feet affections. “These abscesses should be encouraged to burst,” continued Mr Elphick “either with hot water or a little bag poultice, to which a little disinfectant has been added. When sheep are affected in this way, the condition is very painful and leads to a loss in condition, through the sheep being disinclined to forage.” As in a number of other ailments Mr. Elphick emphasised, prevention was the most important factor to consider. “Farmers should put their sheep through the foot-rot bath every three weeks at least,” he said, “and thus keep the feet hard. Put the badly affected sheep in a clean yard, and dress and feed them there. It is nothing else but cruelty to leave the animals to carry on as they are. In treating troubles such as this it is not a question of worth, but of ordinary human kindness, which the farmer should be willing to give to his stock. “Besides treating the sheep, try to keep them on the driest pastures, where there is less chance of the feet being softened and made liable to infection. After putting your sheep through the foot-rot bath, do not turn them straight out into the paddocks, but allow them to stand so that the dressing can be of benefit. Where sheep are turned out immediately, the foot-rot mixture is soon taken off by the grass, and much of the benefit is lost.” In conclusion, Mr Elphick emphasised once again that the condition was purely a secondary infection following on foot-rot and scald. Where sheep were regularly treated to prevent foot rot occuring, then the other condition could not obtain an entrance.