Ovine footrot most commonly occurs following introduction of sheep carrying Dichelobacter nodosus to a previously uninfected flock, or following the breakdown of “carrier” sheep in a previously affected flock (Whittington et al., 2016).
History includes:
- introduction of sheep or other ruminants or previous episodes of footrot,
- suitable pasture (often lush and improved, but can occur on unimproved pasture), and
- favourable weather conditions.
Other risk factors include:
- inadequate fencing, allowing sheep to stray
- contact with infected sheep or infective material via contaminated paddocks, laneways, shared yards, sheds, or transport
- breed of sheep (Merinos are more susceptible than other breeds)
Go back to: Introduction to Footrot Diagnosis
Footrot @ Sydney 