Hot Weather And Cattle In Ponds And Streams Increase Foot Rot Risk

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION

STOCKTON, MISSOURI

 “With hot weather in full swing and cattle standing in ponds and streams, producers should watch for foot rot,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

Foot rot can limit cattle mobility, reduce performance, increase treatment costs and hurt profitability. Davis will discuss foot rot, including prevention and treatment options.

“Fusobacterium necrophorum enters damaged skin and hoof tissue between the claws and works with other bacteria, including Porphyromonas levii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes, to cause infections that lead to foot rot,” says Davis. Prevotella intermedia can also contribute to the disease.

These infections typically cause lameness, along with swelling and redness in the interdigital tissue and nearby coronary band. Necrotic lesions may also develop, often producing a foul odor. If left untreated, the infection can spread, causing swelling around both digits and the hoof hairline and potentially separating the claw. Foot rot can also reduce appetite, milk production and weight gain.

“Factors that contribute to foot rot include moisture, injury, disease and nutrient deficiencies,” says Davis. There are preventive steps producers can take to reduce foot rot incidence.

Manage the environment. Limit cattle exposure to manure, mud and wet conditions. Fence cattle out of ponds and streams. Provide shade to reduce heat stress so cattle are less likely to seek out water sources. Because Missouri cattle herds often face fescue toxicosis, which contributes to heat stress, managing the environment to reduce fescue toxicosis can also reduce cattle’s need to cool off in water.   ∆

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION