With the wet conditions that have been prevalent in Manitoba this year, many cattle producers have had to deal with foot rot issues among livestock.
Foot rot is an infectious and painful condition of the foot found in cattle, sheep, and goats, that thrives in warm, moist conditions. Dr. Wayne Tomlinson, an extension veterinarian with Manitoba Agriculture, says the disease is very contagious, adding the weather conditions this year have also been conducive for the bacteria to spread.
"In wet years, we'll see more foot rot than in dry years," he says. "The conditions are right in wet years for the bacteria to thrive in mud, so as the cattle walk through the mud, they pick up the bacteria. In dry years, we tend not to have the mud and wet, damp areas, and the bacteria doesn't do as well."
Tomlinson says foot rot is caused when skin between the toes of cattle is damaged, creating a point of entry for the bacteria. If the cattle stand for long periods of time in wet areas, the skin will often soften between the toes, making it easier for the bacteria to penetrate.
Source : Portageonline