What Causes Foot Rot?
Foot rot is caused by an infection of anaerobic bacteria in the foot. The exact species of bacteria will differ slightly among species; however, there it has been suggested that bacteria from one species can infect another (i.e. cattle foot rot bacteria can infect sheep or goats and vice versa). Some of these bacteria are present naturally in the environment (present in manure and the soil) while others are brought in by infected animals or human caused contamination. These bacteria can survive in the soil from 1 to 10 months and even longer within hoof tissues. These organisms cannot penetrate, intact healthy skin and hoof tissue. Cuts, bruises, puncture wounds, or severe abrasions permit entry. Therefore, conditions that result in foot injury will predispose animals to contracting foot rot. These conditions include, but are not limited to: sharp rocks, rough frozen ground, sharp stubble, and abrasive surfaces. Injuries are more likely to occur when the tissues of the feet are swollen
