Lameness: Footrot
Beef Cattle Disease

Disease description

Footrot is an infectious disease that causes swelling and lameness in one or more feet. It often occurs after cattle suffer a wound or abrasion due to stones, frozen or dried mud, or other abrasive surfaces in pens or pasture. Although the disease is rarely fatal, economic loss is substantial due to treatment costs and decreased weight gain and productivity.

Footrot occurs when the bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum enters abrasions or puncture wounds in the soft tissue of the foot. If the disease is not treated promptly it can become chronic. Delay in treatment also causes deeper structures of the foot to become infected.

Clinical signs

Swelling, abscesses or lameness in one or more feet is the primary clinical sign. Reduced appetite, reduced milk production and poor weight gain are secondary effects.

Disease prevention

In the past it was nearly impossible to prevent lameness caused by footrot. Now, a product from Novartis Animal Health offers effective, economical protection against this costly disease.

Fusogard® is the only F. necrophorum bacterin designed, developed and manufactured specifically for cattle. Field studies have demonstrated its safety and effectiveness against severe, highly virulent bacteria challenges. Fusogard is easy to handle, with excellent syringeability and sub-Q administration. Contains the unique adjuvant SuprImm®.