Farmers Urged to Act Now as Sheep Face Lameness ‘Double Whammy’

Farmers are being urged to act as sheep face a potential ‘double whammy’ for lameness this autumn, with a hot, dry summer potentially leaving hoof horn harder and more brittle¹ before the current warm and wet conditions create an ideal environment for footrot¹.

With the breeding season starting, getting on top of lameness is particularly important, as problems at this critical point in the breeding calendar could have costly consequences for flock performance

“The change in environmental conditions can have a significant bearing on the footrot challenge within a flock¹,” explains MSD Animal Health Veterinary Advisor Dr Kat Baxter-Smith.

“Moisture is an important factor in the survival and spread of Dichelobacter nodosus¹, so farmers should be particularly vigilant as conditions become wetter. Looking out for early signs of lameness and dealing with cases promptly can help prevent infection from spreading through the flock.

“It is also important to consider the bigger picture. If a flock has a history of footrot, now is the time to review what has and hasn’t worked previously and make sure an appropriate control programme is in place.”

Footrot is an infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus. It can range from interdigital dermatitis through to more severe disease, where the hoof horn separates from the underlying tissue. Fusobacterium necrophorum, which can be found in sheep faeces and diseased feet, can also contribute to the development and severity of foot lesions.

Research has demonstrated a relationship between rainfall and footrot incidence, with increasing rainfall in the preceding weeks associated with increased disease incidence¹.

Time to act

While tackling lameness is important at any time of year, the timing is particularly significant as tupping approaches.

“Having lame sheep in the flock as tupping gets underway and during pregnancy can potentially have a much bigger impact than simply the immediate cost of treating individual animals,” says Dr Baxter-Smith.

“A lame ewe or tup may be less able or willing to move and behave normally during mating and pregnancy, which could affect conception rates and also growth unborn lambs. Any delay to conception can have knock-on implications for lambing dates, scanning results and flock productivity.

“Getting on top of lameness therefore makes both good welfare and good financial sense.”

Farmers are encouraged to use the Five Point Plan of treat, cull, vaccinate, quarantine and avoid, as the basis of a comprehensive approach to reducing lameness and controlling footrot within the flock.

Vaccination is an important part of this approach, particularly for flocks with a history of footrot. Footvax^â stimulates the sheep’s immune response against Dichelobacter nodosus, helping to reduce the impact of footrot when used alongside other management measures.

“Vaccination is not a standalone solution, but it is an important tool within a wider footrot control programme,” says Dr Baxter-Smith.

“Farmers should be identifying and treating lame sheep promptly, reviewing their records to identify repeat offenders and considering culling where appropriate. Quarantine and biosecurity are also important, particularly when introducing sheep to the flock, alongside management practices that help reduce the opportunity for infection to spread.

“Where vaccination is appropriate, timing is also important. Farmers using Footvax^â ahead of tupping should ensure two doses are administered at least six weeks before tupping, so it is incorporated into the flock health programme well ahead of mating. Vaccinating is also possible during pregnancy, as long as it is four weeks after tupping or before lambing.

“Sound feet are essential for healthy, productive sheep, and with tupping approaching, this is an important window for farmers to make sure lameness is firmly on the agenda. The message is really about being proactive,” adds Dr Baxter-Smith.  

References

1. Smith EM, Green OD, Calvo-Bado LA, Witcomb LA, Grogono-Thomas R, Russell CL, Brown JC, Medley GF, KilBride AL, Wellington EM, Green LE. Dynamics and impact of footrot and climate on hoof horn length in 50 ewes from one farm over a period of 10 months. Vet J. 2014 Sep;201(3):295-301. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.021. Epub 2014 May 23. PMID: 24973007; PMCID: PMC4168150.

Footvax^â contains antigens from 10 serogroups and/or serotypes of Dichelobacter nodosus and is indicated for the active immunisation of sheep as an aid to the prevention of footrot and reduction of lesions of footrot. Legal category: POM-VPS.

Further information is available from the SPC, datasheet or package leaflet. MSD Animal Health UK Limited. Registered office Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes, MK7 7AJ, UK. Registered in England & Wales no. 946942. Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber.

Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.

Use Medicines Responsibly. 
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About MSD Animal Health

MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animals™. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.  For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

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