Foot Rot in Beef Cattle

Foot Rot In Beef Cattle
Foot rot is an acute infectious disease of cattle characterized by swelling and lameness and is a major cause
of lameness in beef cattle. The condition can become chronic if treatment is not provided or delayed, allowing
other structures of the foot to become affected.

Etiology

Animal Welfare

Fusobacterium necrophorum is the causative organism
of foot rot but other bacteria also have been implicated
to work synergistically with F. necrophorum. However, the
organism cannot penetrate intact, healthy skin. Damage to
the interdigital space from continual wet skin or abrasions
from rocks, stubble, or frozen/dried mud allow the bacteria
to invade and cause disease.

Foot rot is a very painful condition resulting in moderate
to severe lameness. In severe cases, owners may
consider the addition of an anti-inflammatory to the initial
therapeutic regimen. Owners are encouraged to seek the
advice of a veterinarian for complicated cases for which
surgical intervention may be indicated.

Epidemiology

Treatment

The disease is seen year round, but the prevalence is
usually higher when pens are wet and muddy. Pen
conditions can be particularly severe when ground
alternates between wet mud and manure to frozen
clods can be particularly severe. Although all ages are
susceptible, the disease is most commonly seen in cattle
of weaning age and older. Morbidity can vary from one
or two animals affected in the herd to large outbreaks of
over 25 percent affected.

Early administration of systemic antibiotics usually
results in rapid healing. Historically, penicillin,
oxytetracycline, and/or sulfonamides have been used
successfully. Newer antimicrobials such as ceftiofur,
florfenicol, and tulathromycin also have been approved
to treat foot rot. Owners should consult a veterinarian
regarding the best treatment option for the situation.
Local treatment consisting of cleaning and debriding,
antiseptic dressing, and a bandage can be utilized but
is often not practical.

Clinical Signs
The first sign of foot rot is sudden lameness in one or
more feet with swelling of the interdigital space and
coronet. There is usually a separation of the claws due
to the swelling in the interdigital space. Examination of
the foot will reveal cellulitis and liquefactive necrosis in
the interdigital space that has a foul odor. Typically, cattle
with foot rot will raise the affected limb off the ground
while standing, will be reluctant to move, and will have
a reduced appetite. Often the animal will have a lowgrade
fever. If the disease is allowed to progress, the infection
will invade deeper tissues of the foot and can lead to
chronic arthritis.
Diagnosis of foot rot is made by observation of the animal
and careful examination of the foot. Differential diagnosis
includes foreign bodies (nails or wire), hairy heel warts,
corns, toe or sole abscesses, or a fracture of the bones
of the foot.

Severe or advanced cases that involve adjacent tendon
sheaths, joints, and/or bones require more drastic
treatment. If only one claw is affected, surgical amputation
may be indicated. Although cattle can function well
with one claw in the short term, amputation is usually
considered a salvage procedure.

Prevention
Environmental hygiene is a key component in preventing
foot rot. Preventive measures include minimizing abrasive
surfaces and wet areas, especially around feeding and
watering areas. Lots should be well drained and manure
removed regularly. Concrete slabs along feed bunks and
water tanks will reduce muddy conditions in areas where
cattle spend a lot of time. Mounds of soil or composted
manure can be utilized to promote drainage and provide
cattle a dry place to lie down.

Good nutrition is important in maintaining healthy feet
and skin. Vitamin A is essential for health of skin cells.
Organic iodide can reduce the incidence of foot rot and
can be included in salt or feed mixes at label doses.
Zinc has been used to treat and prevent foot rot, but
the mechanism of action is unclear. There are vaccines
approved for prevention of foot rot but cost effectiveness
has not been established. However, it is generally
recommended that bulls be vaccinated because the cost
of vaccinating individual bulls is less than an entire herd or
lot, and the potential negative impact of a lame bull during
the breeding season is tremendous. Footbaths have been
used for sheep and dairy cattle but are usually impractical
in range or feedlot conditions.

References
Greenough, P.R. (ed): Bovine Laminitis and
Lameness. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, pp. 199-205, 2007.
Griffin, D.D., Feedlot Diseases, Vet Clin North Am Food
Anim Pract (14). Philadelphia, WB Saunders, pp. 213-215,
1998.
G.L. Stokka, K.F. Lechtenberg, T. Edwards, M. MacGregor,
D. Griffen, D.M. Grotelueschen, R.A. Smith and L.J. Perino,
Lameness in feedlot cattle, Vet Clin North Am Food Anim
Pract (17). Philadelphia, WB Saunders, pp. 189–207, 2001.
Weaver, A.D., G. St Jean, A. Steiner (ed): Bovine Surgery
and Lameness. Ames, Blackwell, pp. 202-204, 2005.

Prepared by Grant Dewell, DVM, PhD, Extension
Veterinarian and Jan K. Shearer, DVM, MS, Extension
Veterinarian. Ve

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PM 1728

October 2009