Animal Health & Husbandry
1 September, 2026
Be on the lookout for foot problems
UNUSUAL seasonal conditions often lead to animal health and welfare issues.
The relatively wet and warm winter we have experienced up until now has led to an abundance of feed, making sheep unusually heavy.
Coupled with wet pastures or muddy ground, this can lead to them being susceptible to foot abscess or footrot.
For most producers, foot abscess and footrot are conditions usually associated with a wet spring.
A question often asked will be ‘is it foot abscess or footrot?’
According to senior veterinary officer (northern region) Dr Jeff Cave, a sheep with foot abscess will usually be very lame in just one foot.
“Conversely, footrot will invariably affect more than one foot,” Dr Cave said.
“Foot abscess is associated with the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum, which is not contagious. In contrast, footrot, caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus, spreads readily in warm, moist conditions.”
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The foot of a sheep with foot abscess will appear hot, swollen, and painful.
The abscess can be present in either the toe or the heel of the foot.
In footrot, the severity of the effects, which are inflammation between the toes and underrunning of the hoof, will depend upon whether the strain of bacteria is benign (mild) or virulent (severe).
“A foot abscess contains pus. It can be treated by hoof paring to provide drainage for the pus,” Dr Cave said.
“Antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian will also help and footrot can be controlled through foot bathing.
“Virulent footrot can be eradicated but a long, hot, dry summer is needed.”
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer.