Contagious ovine digital dermatitis: an emerging disease.
Authors: Duncan J S, Angell J W, Carter S D, Evans N J, Sullivan L E, Grove-White D H
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis: An Emerging Disease Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) emerged in UK sheep flocks during the 1990s and presents as severe lameness with progressive hoof capsule separation, typically beginning at the coronary band. Microbiological investigation has consistently identified treponeme bacteria in CODD lesions—notably species phylogenetically related to those causing bovine digital dermatitis—alongside occasional isolation of *Dichelobacter nodosus* and *Fusobacterium necrophorum*, though the latter organisms' pathogenic roles remain unclear. UK prevalence data showed increasing disease incidence at the time of publication, yet transmission routes and predisposing risk factors were inadequately understood, presenting a significant gap in flock health management. Evidence-based trials demonstrated efficacy of long-acting parenteral amoxicillin, whilst anecdotal reports suggested potential benefit from other antimicrobial regimens administered locally or systemically, though rigorous comparative data were lacking. Urgent further research into microbiology and epidemiology is essential to establish evidence-based biosecurity protocols, farm management strategies, and potentially vaccine development—making this review vital for practitioners managing lame sheep flocks or implementing preventive herd health programmes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •CODD is an emerging infectious disease in sheep flocks with increasing prevalence; clinicians should maintain awareness and implement biosecurity measures to prevent spread
- •Parenteral long-acting amoxicillin is the recommended antibiotic treatment based on evidence, though other antibiotics may help anecdotally
- •Further research is needed on transmission routes and risk factors to develop sustainable control strategies, vaccines, and farm management protocols
Key Findings
- •CODD was first described in the UK in 1997 and is characterized by severe lameness with progressive hoof capsule separation from underlying tissue
- •Treponeme bacteria phylogenetically identical to those in bovine digital dermatitis have been frequently isolated from CODD lesions, along with Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum
- •Prevalence of CODD is increasing in the UK, but routes of transmission and risk factors remain unclear
- •Parenteral long-acting amoxicillin is an efficacious evidence-based treatment for CODD