Lameness: Footrot
Dairy 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, lost milk production and diminished reproductive performance.

Cornell University researchers estimate that lameness costs dairy producers $346 per episode, including additional days open, involuntary culling and lost milk production.

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.

The same bacterium that causes footrot is associated with liver abscess, which are a common problem when high-concentrate diets are fed. Liver abscesses can cause reduced milk production, and in severe cases can cause death. In addition, if the animal is marketed the liver and other organs can be condemned, which is also costly to the producer.

Clinical signs

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

Signs of liver abscess are poor performance, reduced appetite and death.

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®.