“Foot rot can lead to cattle lameness resulting in lost performance and profitability for your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. As cattle spend time in the pond and streams to cool themselves during summer this can lead to foot rot. Davis will discuss foot rot and give prevention and treatment options.
“Foot rot is caused by causative bacteria entering the compromised skin or hoof wall integrity,” says Davis. Factors that lead to the compromised skin or hoof wall integrity include moisture, injury, disease, and or nutrient deficiency.
“Trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, and copper play a vital role in maintaining skin and hoof wall integrity,” says Davis. Deficiencies in these minerals may lead to a higher incidence of foot rot. Davis urges cattle producers to ensure their cattle have free choice access to adequate levels of these trace minerals.
“Combination of skin or hoof irritation by rough surfaces and cattle standing in ponds, streams and or manure can increase foot rot,” says Davis. Davis urges cattle producers to reduce the time cattle are standing on rough surfaces such as rocks, gravel, and concrete to reduce foot rot. Furthermore, Davis urges cattle producers to reduce the time cattle are standing in ponds, streams and or manure to help reduce foot rot.
“Lameness is a typical symptom of foot rot,” says Davis. This symptom is brought on by swelling and redness of interdigital tissue and adjacent coronary band. There will be a foul odor associated with foot rot which is necrotic lesions in the interdigital space. Left untreated the infection continues with swelling around both digits and the hairline of the hoof causing separation of the claw.
“Since cattle lameness can influence performance and the operation bottom line it is key to identify and treat foot rot immediately,” says Davis. Veterinarians are helpful in symptom identification and treatment plans. Treatment plans should begin with problem identification, cleaning the foot and providing topical antimicrobial treatment. Pain relief might be recommended by the veterinarian. Improvement should be seen in 3 to 4 days. If not, consult your veterinarian for advice on further treatment options.
For more information on cattle foot rot and how to reduce the incidence please contact your local MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist.
