Foot abscess in sheep

Summary

Foot abscess is a serious disease of sheep. Its effect on welfare and productivity can equal virulent footrot in severity.

It causes severe lameness in one or more feet and can result in a marked loss of condition as affected animals cannot move around to graze.

Rams and ewes may be unable to mate, and in severe cases death may occur. Ewes affected in late pregnancy may develop pregnancy toxaemia and die. Ewes affected during lambing will lose a high proportion of lambs.