This is an infectious disease of animals characterized by inflammation, necrosis and ulceration of the interdigital space, coronary bands and posterior limbs resulting to lameness.
Distribution
This disease is widely prevalent in tropical countries. The disease has got economic bearance because of severe lameness which hamper the draught power of animals. The environment specially the muddy spoil and wet manured areas or rocky soil has got some relation with the disease process. The disease is more prevalnet in hot and wet season.
Aetiology
The disease is caused by Spherophorus necrophorus (Fusiformis necrophorus). These are large rod shaped gram negative organisms.
Susceptible Hosts
Cattle, Sheep, Goat and Pigs are susceptible.
Transmission
The disease is influenced by factors which help in the break down of skin such as continuous wet and muddy condition or rough ground. Damage by the tick or penetration of skin by Strongyloides papilosa larvae have been identified as conducive agent for transmission.
Clinical Findings
Lameness is the cardinal sign. There is elevation of body temperature, anorexia and loss of body weight. Lactating cattle may give less milk. The skin of the interdigital space shows ulcerative changes. Affected animals may kick on the ground and disincline to move or try to move on two legs due to pain. In sheep, the horns may be affected and the horns may be separated. Spontaneous recovery is also possible.
Diagnosis
- This can be achieved based on clinical signs and rapid spread of the disease as an outbreak.
- Isolation of the organisms through culture.
The disease should be differentiated from F.M.D. In FMD, there is vesicle formation and mouth lesions.
Treatment
Parenteral treatment: Sulphonamides and antibiotics like Penicillin, Ampicillin, Tetracycline have been found useful.
Local treatment: 5% Copper sulphate, 2% formalin and Crystal violet have been recommended. Antibiotic ointments may be used.
Control
- Animal should be placed on dry, smooth surface in indoor condition.
- Infected animal should be isolated from the rest.
- Foot bath should be given with 5% copper sulphate.
Chlortetracycline @ 75 mg/animal daily in feed as suggested may be tried in endemic zone.
