by Meg A Wright

Created on: July 07, 2009

Foot rot in goats is a serious and extremely contagious disease. Because the primary cause is a bacteria that survives in the soil, it is difficult to eradicate and prevention is the best method. Not only can the organism Dichelobacter nodosus survive many months in the hoof wall of goats, it can survive for week in affected ground. It is easily distributed and can be picked up by boots of passer-bys to contaminate other areas.

To prevent foot rot several steps can be taken. One of these is to require visitors to the barns to disinfect their boots or wear disposable boots to prevent the spread of any disease. Careful monitoring of newly purchased goats before introducing them into a herd can reduce possible infection. Proper care of the hoof including preventative trimming will help resistance to the organism. Because Zinc Sulfate and Zinc Oxide are helping in treating foot rot, it is recommended to develop a mix of these minerals in your feed program.

Foot rot is characterized into three stages but overall is generalized as a lameness and separation of the hoof wall from the sensitive tissues.

The first stage: the skin near the hoof will be an early indication of tissue death and is often called foot scald due to its red appearance.

The second stage: a foul odor is present when the horny tissue at the heel or the center of the toe is undermined.

The third stage: the whole hoof wall and sole are undermined into the sensitive tissues.

It is important to note that one or more foot may be affected as well as the possibility of one or more claws on the affect foot. Any of the stages may be evident, some simultaneously.

There is not an immediate treatment for foot rot, so prevention is by far the best cure. The first step is to trim the hoof immediately and try to remove any infected areas as well as cracks or soft places. The next step would be to make a foot bath solution to soak and air the infected areas; because the hoof has been trimmed partly away, the solution should easily reach the tissues. Be aware this may cause some bleeding which is normal and helpful for the foot. You may either decide to soak the animals feet in a bucket -this is recommended if the goat is used to being handled- or build a system that will make the goats travel and stand in the solution. This can be seen Here. The solution is usually made of Zinc Sulfate or Copper Sulfate and will leave an aqua residue. Sometimes it is easier to buy a product such as Dr. Nayor's Hoof and Heel or Kopertox.

If the goat has a history of contracting the foot rot, you will need to treat them with antibiotics. Even more sever problems might call for culling animals.

Remember that infected animals should always be quarantined from healthy animals and anything that comes in contact with the infected animals should be disinfected before use. Grazing land as well as any indoor areas the goats may inhabit should be quarantined and disinfected according to instructions as your vet may direct. Be sure to talk over any treatments for the animals with your vet and always practice prevention.

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