Footbathing, formalin and foot trimming: The 3Fs associated with granulomas and shelly hoof in sheep.
Authors: Reeves M C, Prosser N S, Monaghan E M, Green L E
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Routine foot management practices in sheep flocks may inadvertently increase the risk of granulomatous lesions and shelly hoof, according to analysis of lameness data collected from English farmers across four survey years (2004–2015). Researchers used questionnaire responses to examine associations between common management protocols and the prevalence of these foot conditions, employing logistic regression to control for confounding variables including disease severity. Flocks implementing routine foot trimming showed a threefold increased odds of granulomas (OR 3.17), whilst routine footbathing doubled the odds (OR 2.38); shelly hoof was particularly associated with formalin-based footbathing (OR 1.65), though stocking density appeared protective at higher densities (>8 ewes per acre reducing odds to 0.34). The findings suggest that whilst these interventions are adopted with disease control in mind, their routine application may predispose feet to chronic lesion development, warranting a reconsideration of preventative protocols—particularly the widespread use of formalin footbaths. The mechanistic basis for these associations remains unclear and warrants further investigation, especially regarding how stocking density influences disease expression.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Routine footbathing and foot trimming, while traditionally recommended for flock health, are associated with increased granuloma and shelly hoof lesions; consider selective rather than routine protocols
- •Formalin footbaths specifically increase shelly hoof risk—alternative disinfectants should be investigated
- •Higher stocking density (>8 ewes/acre) was protective against shelly hoof, suggesting environmental or management factors warrant further investigation
Key Findings
- •Granulomas were 3.17 times more likely in flocks practicing routine foot trimming and 2.38 times more likely in flocks practicing routine footbathing
- •Shelly hoof was 1.65 times more likely in flocks using formalin footbaths compared to no footbathing
- •Shelly hoof was less common in flocks stocked at >8 ewes per acre versus 4 per acre (OR=0.34)
- •Stopping footbathing practices, particularly formalin footbathing, and avoiding routine foot trimming may reduce incidence of both conditions