Foot Rot has been one of the most frustrating and stubborn diseases in the sheep industry. Many good flocks of sheep and producers have gone by the wayside in attempts to clean up their flocks. We had a good vaccine until about five years ago and have not been able to reestablish that product in the market. Producers overseas in Europe and other countries have had very good success with the drug Gamithromycin. It has not been available in the United States until about a year ago. The drug is sold under the name of Zactran and is not approved for use in sheep.
There is very strong research done overseas that supports the effectiveness and safety of using this product in sheep for eradicating Foot Rot from flocks. I would suggest you work closely with your Veterinarian due to the unapproved label for sheep use. One Danish study showed that in 44 out of 48 flocks that the treatment was effective. The German’s have used a protocol where every animal was treated and 23 days later any animal showing any signs was retreated and have demonstrated that the flock is Foot Rot free using PCR testing.
The program should include foot trimming, a clean dry environment (concrete is best), and removal of chronic animals from the flock.
