Skip to main content

Table 2 Descriptive characteristics of 11 Australian sheep flocks considered having virulent footrot were sampled between October ‘14 and July ‘15 for evaluation of the specificity of an rtPCR for detection of virulent (aprV2) and benign (aprB2) protease genes of D. nodosus

From: Assessment of a rtPCR for the detection of virulent and benign Dichelobacter nodosus, the causative agent of ovine footrot, in Australia

Flock ID

No. animals sampled

Sampling date

Flock origin (shire or city)

Breed

Age

Sex

Comments/Flock history

12

26

27.07.2015

Wangaratta Rural City, Vic

Dorper

Rams

Male

Farm has a history of virulent footrot. Footbathing and foot pairing done frequently. Minimal lameness and lesions currently present. Sheep reviously footbathed in May 2015.

13

10

10.07.2015

East Gippsland Shire, Vic

Merino Cross

Mixed

Mixed

Footrot introduced December 2014 by purchased rams. Owners observed lameness of about 1 in 150 animals in March/April 2015.

14

36

23.06.2015

Mitchell Shire, Vic

Merino

Rams

Male

Farm suspected of virulent footrot, samples taken on a confirmatory visit.

15

10

13.10.2014

Strathbogie Shire, Vic

Merino

NR

Female

History of footrot and lameness in flock

16

10

13.10.2014

Greater Shepparton City, Vic

Merino cross

2.5 y

Female

A mob of South African Merino X Merino yearling ewes purchased in Nov-Dec 2013. Sheep had been on agistment. A few sheep lame when they arrived; footbathed 2–4 weeks before sampling.

17

10

14.10.2014

Shire of Newstead, Vic

Merino

Mixed

Female

Property has a footrot history - previously treated sucessfully with Footrite®. This season a recurrance of lameness, some mobs reached a 20%.

18

9

20.10.2014

Indigo Shire, Vic

Dorper

Adult

Female

Lameness in more than one foot. Lesions suggestive of benign footrot.

19

10

03.11.2014

Shire of Glenelg, Vic

NR

3.5 years

Female

Footrot appeared in June; source not determined, appears to be clinically aggressive; high prevalence of score 4/5 (20%+). These sheep last footbathed ~  3 weeks before sampling.

20

10

04.11.2014

Southern Grampians Shire, Vic

NR

2 years

Female

Footrot has probably been present for a long time. Controlled by regular footbathing. Last month have had 30% of average long term rainfall for this time of the year. These sheep last footbathed ~ February 2014

21

10

17.11.2014

Bass Coast Shire, Vic

Droper

Mixed

Mixed

Many lambs, ewes and some rams reported lame with lesions very suggestive of footrot. Treated with footbath (formalin) and antibiotics. The lesions look in a process of healing but are still obvious (inflammation limited to interdigital space).

22

10

18.11.2014

Mitchell Shire, Vic

Merino

NR

NR

Virulent footrot for several years.

23

10

24.11.2014

Southern Grampians Shire, Vic

NR

Adult

Female

Footrot appeared in June (source not determined) with high prevalence of score 4/5 (20%+). Last 3 months have had 30% of average long term rainfall for this time of the year. These sheep last footbathed ~  3 weeks earlier.

24

9

01.12.2014

Colac Ottway Shire, Vic

Crossbred

Adult

Female

10 of 15 seep examined had feet lesions scored ≥ 2