Livestock
3 September, 2026
Keeping Wimmera sheep on the right foot: local producers urged to watch for footrot
SHEEP producers across the Wimmera are being urged to keep a close eye on their flocks as warm and wet conditions increase the risk of foot problems.
Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Dr Jeff Cave said the unusual seasonal conditions had resulted in an abundance of feed, making sheep much heavier than usual.
Combined with wet pastures and muddy ground, the conditions could leave sheep more prone to foot abscess and footrot.
While both conditions are often more commonly associated with a wet spring, producers across the region are being encouraged to monitor sheep for signs of lameness.
A key difference between the two conditions is the number of feet affected.
“A sheep with a foot abscess will usually be very lame in just one foot,” Dr Cave said.
“Conversely, footrot will invariably affect more than one foot.”
A foot abscess is often associated with the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum and is not contagious.
The affected foot can appear swollen, painful, or even hot, with an abscess developing in either the toe or heel.
Meanwhile, footrot is caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus, which spreads in warm and moist conditions.
It results in inflammation between the toes and can lead to underrunning of the hoof, with the severity depending on whether the strain is moderate or severe.
Dr Cave added that foot abscesses contain pus and could be treated by hoof paring to provide drainage; antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian could also assist.
Footrot can be managed through measures such as foot bathing, while completely eradicating virulent footrot requires a long, hot, and dry summer.
Wimmera producers can contact their local veterinarian or an Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer for further information.