Best practice to control footrot
and scald (strip) in sheep

We have written up 'Best Practice in the control of footrot and scald (strip) in sheep based on a combination of existing knowledge and the results from our recent research projects (see our publications page).

Our results indicated that in recent years too little emphasis has been put on the fact that footrot is an infectious disease. Our recommendations are therefore based on the prevention of the disease spreading between sheep. The key actions are

• Manage and treat footrot and scald as one disease

• The most important action is the early treatment with an injection of antibiotics and a topical spray, with no foot trimming

• Wherever possible, separate sheep lame with footrot or scald

We also investigated routine managements commonly done to manage lameness in sheep; from our work we conclude that:

• Routine foot trimming

  • is probably unnecessary on many farms.

  • should not be part of a footrot control programme.

  • can lead to permanent damage to the shape of the foot.

  • even sheep with overgrown feet do not need foot trimming unless it is affecting their ability to walk – on many farms long feet will wear away naturally.

The control and prevention of footrot and scald should be included in your Flock Health Plan.

We hope that the information presented here will help you and your veterinary surgeon to tailor a footrot and scald control programme that is suitable and workable for your flock.

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