Even during dry conditions, in spring conditions footrot can still be an issue, therefore the question often is 'is it a foot abscess or footrot?'.

In a spring with sufficient feed, sheep become unusually heavy and this coupled with standing on moist pasture or muddy ground for an extended period leaves them susceptible to developing foot abscess.

A sheep with foot abscess will usually be very lame in just one foot.

This is an important difference from footrot where more than one foot will invariably be affected.

Although foot abscess is associated with the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum it is not contagious.

The foot of a sheep with foot abscess will appear hot, swollen and painful.

The abscess can be present in either the toe or the heel of the foot.

A foot abscess contains pus and can be treated by hoof paring to provide drainage for the pus. Antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian will also help.

The severity of the effects of footrot, which are inflammation between the toes and underrunning of the hoof, will depend upon whether the strain of bacteria is benign (mild) or virulent (severe).

Footrot, caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus, spreads readily in warm, moist conditions.

Virulent footrot can be eradicated, but a long, hot, dry summer is needed.

During spring footrot can be controlled through foot bathing.

For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.