Strawberry footrot in livestock

What is strawberry footrot?

Despite the name, strawberry footrot is very different from virulent footrot. 

It is a disease caused by a combination of bacterial and viral infection that produces lesions around the feet and mouth, and is a common cause of lameness in sheep. 

Affected stock may be reluctant to walk and have severe, localised swelling, often extending up the leg.

The viral component of the disease is zoonotic (contagious to humans). Wearing gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment when handling sheep with suspicious wounds is recommended.

Strawberry footrot is caused by a combination of the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis (the same bacterium that causes lumpy wool) and the parapox virus. Dermo bacteria occur normally on sheep and are generally impossible to eliminate from the flock. The bacteria itself causes no issue unless given the right environment for infection—i.e. moist conditions and lush wet spring pastures around the feet of sheep.

Here is a pictogram showing environment for infection - wet weather, long lush wet pastures, wound in skin often aplified by Orf virus, and 'Dermo' bacteria.

When to watch for it

Prolonged wet weather and the undue stress it places on young stock are key factors in the appearance of strawberry footrot.

All ages and sheep breeds are susceptible, but lambs, weaners and hoggets are most commonly affected. Stressed young stock are highly susceptible to infection, typically during seasons of prolonged wet weather.

Recent movements, mixing of mobs and confinement often increase the number of animals affected by the disease.

Clinical signs

Know what to look for with strawberry footrot in sheep:

• Scabs generally appear on the legs between the foot up to the knee or hock, along with hair loss
• Stock may have reduced mobility and severe localised swelling often extending up the leg
• Scab removal reveals a bleeding and fleshy mass
• Lameness can occur when lesions are thick, when they break causing the skin to split, or if lesions occur in the interdigital space
• Lesions resemble those produced by the Orf virus, but are localised to the feet and coronet

It is very important that an accurate diagnosis is made so that appropriate treatment can be provided.

How to manage

At the first sign of strawberry footrot:

• Move sheep into a dry paddock with shorter pasture
• Treat all sheep in a footbath to aid healing, reduce severity, and limit spread
• Be aware that feed and water intake may be reduced due to restricted mobility and oral pain if mouth lesions are present

How to treat

• Treat affected sheep with long-acting antibiotics
• Keep sheep dry until lesions are healed
• Shear off the scabs to promote healing
• Footbathing is recommended to support recovery and reduce spread
• Animals often recover within 2–3 weeks with treatment and supportive care

Due to the nature and presentation of this disease, it is strongly recommended to contact your local district veterinarian if you suspect a case of strawberry footrot.

How to prevent strawberry footrot

Stressed young stock are highly susceptible to infection, typically during seasons of prolonged wet weather.

Recent movements, mixing of mobs and confinement often increase the number of animals affected by the disease.

• Move sheep into a dry paddock with shorter pasture at the first signs of infection.
• Use footbathing to reduce infection severity and prevent further spread.
• Keep sheep dry whenever possible, especially during wet weather.
• Isolate affected animals to minimise contact and contamination of paddocks.