Flag Usa US
United Kingdom Ireland Europe United States Australia New Zealand East Africa MENA Other
Contact
Flag Usa
United Kingdom Ireland Europe United States Australia New Zealand East Africa MENA Other
Contact

Foot Rot in Cattle 

What is Foot Rot?

Foot rot (necrotic pododermatitis, interdigital necrobacillosis) is a painful, acute, infectious disease of the interdigital tissues in cattle.  It is initiated by an insult to the interdigital skin by rocks, dirt clods, frozen mud, ice, rough surfaces, etc., and subsequent invasion by bacterial pathogens.  Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus are two common bacteria that use their toxins to damage the superficial and deep tissues between the claws. Incidence of footrot may increase during wet conditions when tissues are more soft and susceptible, although the disease can occur at any time.   

Economic Impact of Foot Rot

The economic impact of foot rot stems from lost production (average daily gain, milk production, fertility, etc.) in addition to associated treatment and labor costs.

Understanding Foot Rot

Learn more about the disease, causes, signs, treatment options and how to control foot rot. 

Potential Risk Factors Contributing to Foot Rot

  • Exposure to foot rot pathogens

  • Wet or damp conditions

  • Areas of poor drainage (around water troughs, etc.)

  • Rocks, dirt clods, frozen mud, ice, rough surfaces, etc.

  • Poor nutrition (vitamin/mineral program)

Clinical Signs of Foot Rot 

  • Acute lameness

  • Pain

  • Interdigital swelling

  • Fever

  • Off-feed

  • Reduced average daily gain

  • Reduced milk production

  • Reduced fertility

Treating Foot Rot

Early treatment is critical to keep foot rot from spreading and persisting within a herd. Cleaning and debriding necrotic tissue followed by treatment with an appropriate injectable antibiotic is essential for success. Without treatment, foot rot can spread to deeper structures of the foot and worsen the prognosis. Norbrook® has an extensive portfolio of injectable antibiotic treatment options from which to choose.

Controlling Foot Rot

  • Regular hoof trimming

  • Limit access to wet/damp areas

  • Limit access to irritants in the environment (rocks, dirt clods, frozen mud, ice, rough surfaces, etc.)

  • Maintain an adequate vitamin/mineral program

  • Foot baths (copper sulfate or zinc sulfate)

Treating Foot Rot 

Norbrook® has a broad portfolio to treat foot rot in beef cattle, dairy cattle and non-lactating dairy cattle.

 

 

Treating Foot Rot in Beef Cattle

Norbrook® offers a range of products to treat foot rot in beef cattle. 

Treating Foot Rot in Dairy Cattle

Norbrook® offers a range of products to treat foot rot in dairy cattle. 

Treating Foot Rot in Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle

Norbrook® offers a range of products to treat foot rot in non-lactating dairy cattle. 

Safety Information 

Cefenil® RTU (ceftiofur hydrochloride sterile suspension)

Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Not for use in calves to be processed for veal. As with all drugs, the use of Cefenil® RTU (ceftiofur hydrochloride sterile suspension) is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to the drug. Download product labeling here for full product information.

 

Norfenicol® (florfenicol) Injectable Solution   

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Observe label directions and withdrawal times. For use in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only. Not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days of the last intramuscular treatment or within 33 days of subcutaneous treatment. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Intramuscular injection may result in local tissue reaction which may result in trim loss at slaughter. Download product labeling here for full product information, including adverse reactions.

 

Noromycin® 300 LA (oxytetracycline injection)

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Not for use in lactating dairy animals. Adverse reactions, including injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), collapse and possibly death have been reported. Download product labeling here for full product information.

 

Oxytetracycline Injection 200 (oxytetracycline injection)  

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Adverse reactions, including injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, swelling of the eyelids, ears, muzzle, anus and vulva (or scrotum and sheath in males), respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), frothing at the mouth, collapse and possibly death have been reported. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

Tulieve® (tulathromycin injection) Injectable Solution

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CATTLE: Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Effects on reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Tulieve® has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days. Tulieve® should not be used in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product. See product labeling here for full product information.

The Norbrook logo, Cefenil, Norfenicol, Noromycin and Tulieve are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.

005-25-129