A survey to understand farmers' perceptions and risk factors for hoof diseases including footrot in sheep in New South Wales, Australia.
Authors: Smith Karen, Whittington Richard J, Green Alexandra C, Dhand Navneet K, Moses Alicia, Grove Annie, Thane Tegan, Dhungyel Om P
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Footrot and Hoof Disease Risk Factors in Australian Sheep Flocks Footrot and associated hoof diseases represent a significant production and welfare challenge in sheep farming, yet farmer understanding of contributing risk factors remains incomplete. This survey of 43 New South Wales sheep farmers with median flocks of 2,300 head identified footrot on 39% of farms and other hoof conditions on 75.6%, with larger flocks (>3,000 sheep) showing nearly 12-fold increased odds of footrot presence compared to smaller operations. Biosecurity measures proved protective—farms implementing Animal Health Statements when purchasing stock reduced footrot risk by 90%—whilst management factors such as non-weekly foot inspections and undulating terrain increased prevalence of non-footrot hoof diseases. Although farmers widely acknowledged production losses and welfare impacts from these conditions, the study's findings suggest that strategic biosecurity protocols, regular structured foot inspection schedules, and terrain management warrant closer integration into routine flock health planning. The results are particularly relevant for farriers and equine professionals consulting with sheep owners, as principles of preventative hoof health management and biosecurity awareness transfer meaningfully across species, and the documented protective effect of Animal Health Statements offers practical, implementable strategies for reducing disease spread in multi-species properties.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Implement biosecurity measures when purchasing sheep (request Animal Health Statements) to reduce footrot risk in large flocks
- •Conduct foot inspections weekly rather than at irregular intervals to better control hoof diseases other than footrot
- •Be aware that flocks kept on undulating terrain face higher risk of non-footrot hoof conditions compared to flat ground
Key Findings
- •Footrot was present on 39% of farms surveyed, while 75.6% had other hoof diseases
- •Flocks larger than 3,000 sheep were 11.99 times more likely to have footrot than smaller flocks
- •Farms requesting Animal Health Statements when purchasing sheep were 90% less likely to have footrot
- •Weekly foot inspections were associated with lower prevalence of non-footrot hoof conditions