Next steps after footrot detection
Your flock will be assigned a 'suspect' footrot status following an initial detection of footrot through saleyard, on-farm investigation, definitive trace, or vet report.
This status remains in place until a thorough on-property and laboratory diagnosis can be performed during a spread period (spring).
For an on-property diagnosis, inspection samples are taken from sheep that have lesions consistent with footrot symptoms. The samples will be submitted to the laboratory to undergo 3 tests: smear, culture and elastase. In total, this process takes 2 to 4 weeks to get final virulence results returned from the laboratory.
You must take all reasonable measures to control or eradicate footrot from livestock that are in your control, and prevent it from spreading or entering SA.
Limit the spread
While waiting for a diagnosis, putting the following measures in place can limit the spread on your property:
- Keep potential sources of infection separated from the sheep, including new sheep purchases.
- When moving sheep, avoid crossing paths of known infected mobs.
- Spell yards and paddocks for 14 days between mobs.
- Inspect rams for footrot prior to joining.
- Secure fencing to prevent straying and identify any strays to PIRSA for inspection.
Laboratory results
Once your flock has its final diagnosis, you will receive a letter from the CIS outlining your sheep movement obligations and the outcomes of the on-property and final laboratory diagnosis.
If footrot is confirmed, your flock will be assigned an 'infected' footrot status. Your local PIRSA Animal Health Officer (AHO) will provide the laboratory results, answer any questions, and discuss a suitable treatment or eradication plan for your situation.
Trading infected stock
There are no longer movement restrictions for properties with infected or suspect sheep and goat flocks, apart from sales and movements to saleyards or other congregation points (showgrounds, field days etc.) that are not approved by the Chief Inspector of Stock.
Prior notification of flock status (not free of footrot) must be provided to purchasers or receivers of sheep for those movements. This can be either on a National Sheep Health Declaration, a private sales agreement between the vendor and purchaser, or a declaration on an online livestock selling platform.
For trading sheep through saleyard markets, seek their requirement as they differ around the state.
Treatment and eradication
Treatment plans aim to lower the level of disease, but they will not remove footrot from the property.
Eradication plans are more involved and aim to eliminate disease from the property. This is the more expensive path, but the long-term benefits outweigh the cost.
As part of a control or eradication program, your local AHO or private vet will develop and share with you a written Property Disease Management Plan (PDMP). This is based on information you have provided, as well as the on-property and laboratory diagnosis.
Find out about controlling or eradicating footrot, including contact details for footrot contractors who can help.
Clearance protocols
After a summer eradication program has been completed with no infection found at the final inspection, a clearance inspection can be conducted by PIRSA the following spring.
No control measures (footbathing, antibiotic treatment etc.) may occur in the 6 weeks beforehand, and no Footvax vaccination treatment 6 months prior to clearance inspection.
The clearance inspection involves a select portion of your flock. If no footrot lesions are detected in any sheep, your property will be assigned an 'assessed negative' status for footrot.
