FOOTROT IN SHEEP

Te Ao Hou, December 1956, Page 56

FOOTROT IN SHEEP One of the greatest enemies of the sheep farmer is a small germ which attaches itself to the sheep's feet causing what is commonly known as foot-rot. Damp muddy conditions have long been recognised as potential breeding grounds for the germ which is a particularly virile one. Most farmers however are able to do little to counteract the disease during the winter months, intensive treatment as a rule being more effective during the summer when both the weather and the ground are dry enough to ensure results. Unfortunately, once establishing itself, the footrot germ is notoriously difficult to oust from the soil. Sometimes if a paddock in which infected sheep have been running is spelled for a period the germ will eventually die, but many farmers are unable to spare paddocks in this way especially since the time involved may be quite considerable. For those who normally effect their replacements from outside, great care should be taken to ensure that none of the incoming sheep have visible signs of rot. Unfortunately it is not always possible to be certain on this point as the germ may be inherent. Many a farm has had the disease introduced in this way.