BOOTS FOR SHEEP

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1936, Page 2

BOOTS FOR SHEEP

PREVENTION dF Dtt-Y ROT.

LONDON, November 5.

Gum boots for sheep were included among the ' latest styles at the. Shoe and Leather Fair at Islington this I week. They are for curing and preventj ing foot rot. They are the outcome of two years’ patient l work by English veterinary surgeons to check the loss of £500,000 a year caused by this disease to British farmers. With the aid of these rubber boots, it is claimed, foot rot can be cured and prevented. The virtue of these boots is that the dressings applied to the- affected parts of the feet can be kept intact, so that there is permanent contact between the remedies applied and the infection. This is not always possible'"Tor more than snort periods when other methods are employed. Experiments have shown that if the boots are applied early to ' all cases, infection is abolished. Naturally, when the sheep are wearing the boots, they are not spreading contagious diseases for the infection of the remaining sheep in the flock. The boots are neatly made of rubber, with a strong stockinette lining. They are in five sizes, and three colours —black, grey and green. There are also two' designs. One has ja lightning fastener, attached to . the front of the boot, while the other has a clip and a strap, which is secured at-the back. As sheep’s feet do not vary much within the same breeds for reasonably similar ages, the boots can be used on various sheep after they have been cleansed and disinfected, which can be done readily.

The boots are so moulded to provide an anatomical fit, allowing free ploy of the fetlock joint and eliminating rubbing or chafing. The close fit at the top prevents splashing of the remedies on to the wool, while the bag at the back allows full freedom for the “knuckles.” The sole is of stout construction and cushions the tread, and the shape of the boot prevents slipping or twisting.