Interdigital dermatitis

Question 1

What is interdigital dermatitis?

Answer 1

An infection in the foot (between either claw of the foot) caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum (Kahn 2010). Young sheep are more susceptible to the infection.

Question 2

What conditions are favourable for the the infection?

Answer 2

COld and damp environmental conditions are predisposing factors?

Question 3

What is interdigital dermatitis also known as?

Answer 3

Foot scald

Question 4

What are the sings of foot scald?

Answer 4

• Pink white skin that has a poor odour
• Limping from the animal
• The skin is generally sore to be touched

Question 5

How is foot scald treated?

Answer 5

• 2% formaldehyde (spray/ foot bath)

- Foot baths- 10% zinc sulphate

Question 6

What prophylaxis methods are in place for foot scald?

Answer 6

• Field management (concrete around trouphs, no slurry)

- Strategic culling