PRODUCERS are being encouraged to check their sheep after inspections conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Food in abattoirs detected an increase in footrot bacteria.
The department’s deputy chief veterinary officer Peter Morcombe said recent warm wet weather had created ideal conditions for the growth of the footrot bacteria, and this indicated there will be an increase in lameness in flocks where the bacteria exists.
“While most of the increase in footrot detected in the abattoirs is due to the benign strain of the bacteria that causes footrot, producers should check lame sheep and ask their local biosecurity officer to investigate if they are concerned,” Dr Morcombe said.
“By reporting suspicion of footrot they can help restrict the number of infected flocks.
“This year only one new case of virulent footrot has been detected, and 20 properties remain in quarantine.
“Early detection of footrot ensures that producers can treat to prevent lameness and reduce the risks of spread within their flock and to other properties.”
The industry-funded Footrot Control Program has continued to maintain cost-effective control of virulent footrot, with less than one per cent of flocks infected.
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