Foot Rot in Beef Cattle

by Michael Moore, DVM, Territory Manager, Novartis Animal Vaccines

Foot rot continues to be a problem facing the beef industry resulting in millions of dollars in losses annually. A study at the University of Nebraska estimated that the cost to be $120 / per incidence. The resultant losses are from decreased performance, reduced value or condemnation of carcass, and costs related to treatments such as injectable pharmaceuticals and labor. Although the condition is rarely fatal it may have a drastic impact on the bottom line.

Immunization for Fusobacterium necrophorum is becoming a routine in many feed yards and stocker operations to prevent not only the foot rot problem but also to help reduce the incidence of liver abscessesThe most common cause of foot rot is the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum, an organism commonly found in the digestive tract of cattle. This bug is also incriminated as the cause of liver abscesses. The disease usually starts from an injury to the area between the toes that allows the organism to enter the body or from a bruise to that area giving it a chance to proliferate in the injured area.

The first signs noted are a reddening of the skin and pain to the area causing a slight lameness. A swelling will rapidly develop causing a separation of the space between the toes and a more severe lameness. The swelling may progress higher up the foot and even to the lower leg. The area will become necrotic and "break open" rendering the characteristic foul odor. The open area leaves an excellent portal for secondary infections to enter the foot. If untreated the infection may spread to the nearby joints causing severe problems that may require more drastic measures for treatment. The pain will cause severe lameness resulting in anorexia, loss of condition, and loss of production.

The incidence of the disease is dependent on season, weather, environment, and management systems. The conditions may be more prevalent in certain pastures and certain pens within a lot. Prolonged wet periods with continual exposure to mud and manure will make animals more prone to foot rot. Prolonged dry periods with deep footprints around watering areas contribute to increased chances of injury to the foot. Soil pH is a factor in the ability of the organism to survive in the environment. Pastures with foreign debris are another source of injury.

When foot problems are observed a diagnosis should be obtained. Injuries such as lacerations can cause similar looking symptoms. Foreign bodies such as nails into the toe are severe and should be treated immediately and rigorously. Wire wrapped around the foot will cause similar swelling and result in severe infections and loss of the toe or toes.
When treating for foot rot the area of the foot affected should be cleaned and examined for other causes. Systemic antibiotic injections given early in the course of infection are the most effective means of treatment of foot rot. In severe cases the foot may have to be wrapped to protect the area. Toe amputation may be necessary if the infection has progressed into the joint.

Management practices such as scraping of lots and eliminating abrasive surfaces will aid in prevention of foot rot. Proper nutrition such as reduction of acidosis and supplementation with Zn will help to increase hoof health. Tetracyclines or organic iodides in the feed or mineral have helped in some instances.

Immunization for Fusobacterium necrophorum is becoming a routine in many feed yards and stocker operations to prevent not only the foot rot problem but also to help reduce the incidence of liver abscesses. Giving an initial shot at entry into the lot and a booster at re-implant time works very well into the management scheme of most operations. Because of the seasonal incidence of the problem, feedlot operators are vaccinating to protect during the time of the year when they historically see a problem.

Vaccinating bulls against foot rot at the time of breeding soundness exams should be considered a useful practice in cow-calf operations. A bull with foot rot is of no value during breeding season.

This chart can be used to determine if a vaccine control program is cost effective for various levels of incidence of foot rot.

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