Foot rot is a common disease affecting cattle. It creates swelling and lameness in one or more feet. The condition can lead to severe lameness, decreased weight gain, and reduced overall production. If treatment is not initiated in a timely manner, deeper structures of the foot may become affected, leading to chronic disease and potentially permanent damage.
The primary agent responsible for foot rot is Fusobacterium necrophorum, which is a common bacteria of healthy skin. However, it requires an opportunity to invade deeper tissues such as injury or wet skin. This bacterium often acts in conjunction with others, such as Porphyromonas levii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Trueperella pyogenes.
Environmental factors play a significant role in the transmission of foot rot. Moisture, nutrient deficiencies (particularly in iodine, zinc, selenium, and copper), and injuries from walking on abrasive surfaces can compromise skin integrity, facilitating bacterial invasion. Standing in pens or lots heavily contaminated with mud, feces, and urine softens the skin, increasing the opportunity for infectious agents to invade. High temperatures and humidity can also cause the skin to become more fragile, making it more susceptible to infection.
Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, humid conditions. The first signs include sudden onset of lameness, swelling and redness of the tissue between the claws, and ulcerative type lesions in the interdigital space. The tissue is often necrotic with a characteristic foul odor. Swelling is typically evenly distributed around both digits and the hairline of the hoof, leading to separation of the claws. Affected animals are extremely painful in the affected foot and may also exhibit a loss of appetite.
Diagnosis starts with a thorough examination of the foot, looking for the characteristic signs mentioned above. It is important to differentiate foot rot from other conditions causing lameness. Swelling attributable to foot rot involves both claws, whereas other conditions often involve only one. Joint infections, sole abscesses, and sole ulcers may be mistaken for foot rot if a proper examination is not performed.
Early treatment of foot rot is usually successful. It begins with cleaning and examining the foot to confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian are the primary treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products should be utilized for pain relief. Veterinary consultation is necessary in situations where the animal does not respond quickly to the initial treatment as foot rot is likely not the cause of the animal’s lameness. In cases where deeper foot structures are damaged, more aggressive therapy may be necessary.
Foot rot prevention focuses on maintaining interdigital skin health. This includes providing a well-balanced mineral program and minimizing environmental conditions that may cause skin or hoof injury. Preventing cattle from standing in wet, manure-infested areas is crucial. Footbaths may be helpful for animal in confinement, but typically are not practical for pastured cattle. A foot rot vaccine is available that may aid in prevention, but producers should consult their local veterinarian to determine the best options. Foot rot is a major cause of lameness in cattle and can have a severe economic impact on animal health, performance, and operation profitability. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, along with effective preventive measures, are essential in managing this disease. Producers should consult with their veterinarian to develop prevention and treatment protocols well in advance of widespread herd problems.
