Foul-in-the-foot is caused by an infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum, usually following damage to the interdigital skin by a foreign body. The degenerated skin causes a 'foul' odour. At certain times of the year (wet, muddy and often warm at grazing) there can be herd outbreaks.
'Super foul' is an aggressive form of the disease that has become more common in recent years. It produces severe interdigital necrosis with rapid extension deep into the surrounding structures.
The infection results in sudden lameness, often in one limb. Body temperature is raised. There is swelling of the coronary band area, forcing the claws apart, and a split in the interdigital skin often associated with pus and dead tissue. The degenerated skin causes a 'foul' odour.
Affected animals have to be isolated to prevent spread. In outbreaks, house affected animals, using clean, dry bedding, or move to high, well drained pastures.
Mild cases may recover spontaneously, but this is rare. Untreated cases often become progressive, affecting the joint and other tissues up the leg, and are then difficult to treat. The foot should be cleaned off, and necrotic tissue and any foreign body removed.
Response to parenteral antimicrobial therapy is usually good following early treatment, with recovery occurring in two to four days. However, in neglected cases recovery may take as long as 10 to between 30 and 45 days.
Regular foot-bathing of the herd may help to control foul-in-the-foot. Both zinc and copper sulphate act as bacteriostats but the foot baths with these chemicals may act as a way of spreading the infection within the herd.
Procain penicillin G, twice daily, has been recommended. Ampicillin-containing products may also be useful. Short-acting oxytetracycline can be used as a course in dairy cows. Long-acting oxytetracycline as a single injection can be used in early cases in non-milk producing animals.
This info was adapted from Defra’s Compendium of Animal Health & Welfare in Organic Farming, which is a collaborative effort led by Duchy College, Cornwall with VEERU at The University of Reading and The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow.
.jpg)
