Foot Rot in Dairy Cattle

Foot Rot is a smelly infection of the foot, which generally occurs high between the claw or toes. It results mainly from an infection caused by the bacterium fusiformis necrophorus. This organism may build up in barnyards, exercise lots, mud holes, and pastures. Cattle with foot rot usually show lameness on one leg only. The foot swells above the coronet and the toes spread cracks and fissures develop in the interdigital spuces. There is a characteristic foul smelling discharge at these fissures. If left untreated, the infection can progress into the joint space or tendon sheath producing permanent damage.

Treatment consists of antibiotics and/or sulfonamides plus local therapy. The interdigital space should be washed and any loose necrotic tissue removed. Once clean, topical agents such as antibiotics, sulfas, or antiseptics should be applied. If the infection has penetrated to deeper tissue a drawing ointment may be used. Affected cattle should be separated from the herd and confined to prevent the spread of the organism.

Control of foot rot is critical to minimize the economic impact of this contagious disease on the dairy herd. The isolation of infected cows, rigid sanitation in high-density areas, and the use of a footbath have proven effective to this end. The footbath should contain a five percent copper sulfate, and be located where cattle must walk through it several times per day.