Over the last 15 years we have developed effective footrot treatment programs originally based on the Mackinnon Project. We aim to remain at the forefront of footrot diagnosis and treatment. Currently, we offer two treatment programs with and without strain-specific footrot vaccine(s):


Footrot Treatment Program 1 (with vaccine)

  • A footrot bacterial swab sample is taken to determine specific strain(s) in your flock
  • Inspect individuals and administer strain-specific vaccine(s) during a non-spread period (i.e. dry pastures). Sheep will be separated into three groups depending on the severity of the infections (clean, intermediate infection or chronic infection).
  • Return after 4 - 6 week period to administer second vaccine(s). Foot inspection is not required.
  • All sheep must be re-inspected no later than 4 - 6 weeks prior to lambing.
  • Follow-up foot inspection is required during the next non-spread period. This is to insure potential 'carrier' sheep are removed in order to prevent further outbreaks.
  • All sheep must be vaccinated and inspected.

Footrot Treatment Program 2 (without vaccine)

  • Inspect all sheep during a non-spread period (i.e dry pastures). Sheep will be separated into three groups depending on the severity of the infections (clean, intermediate infection or chronic infection). 
  • Return after 4 - 6 week period to re-inspect all sheep. Sheep will again be separated into three groups depending on the severity of infection. Individuals with chronic infection are to be sold immediately. 
  • The final inspection is to be completed before the spread period begins. Any remaining infected - (intermediate and chronic infection) individuals are to be sold immediately.
  • Follow-up foot inspection is required during the next non-spread period. This is to insure potential 'carrier' sheep are removed in order to prevent further outbreaks.
  • All sheep must be inspected and foot bathed throughout the course of the eradication program.
non-spread period

non-spread period

 

Recent developments of the footrot vaccine (see our In The News page for more details) now provides a new tool that we have adopted as part of our treatment program.



Inspection PLAYS an ESSENTIAL ROLE IN ANY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM

Inspection PLAYS an ESSENTIAL ROLE IN ANY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM

For more information on footrot and effective treatment programs see the NSW Department of Primary Industries website on our Useful Links page.