Field Study on the Prevalence of Ovine Footrot, Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis, and Their Associated Bacterial Species in Swedish Sheep Flocks

oleh: Anna Rosander, Sophia Mourath, Ulrika König, Ann Nyman, Sara Frosth

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-10-01

Deskripsi

Ovine footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) cause lameness in sheep, affecting welfare and economics. Previous Swedish studies focused on individual slaughter lambs, leaving flock-wide prevalence less explored. This study examined the prevalence of footrot and CODD in Swedish sheep flocks, focusing on adult sheep. From 99 flocks, 297 swabs were analysed using real-time PCR for <i>Dichelobacter nodosus</i>, <i>Fusobacterium necrophorum</i>, and <i>Treponema</i> spp. Sampled feet were photographed and assessed using scoring systems for footrot and CODD. Results indicated footrot prevalences (footrot score ≥ 2) of 0.7% and 2.0% at the individual and flock levels, respectively, whereas there were no signs of CODD. The individual footrot prevalence was lower than that from a 2009 study but aligned with a 2020 study, both conducted on slaughter lambs. <i>Dichelobacter nodosus</i>, <i>F. necrophorum</i>, and <i>Treponema</i> spp. were found in 5.7%, 1.3%, and 65.0% of sheep, and in 9.1%, 3.0%, and 82.8% of flocks, respectively. Compared to the 2020 study, there was a notable decrease in <i>F. necrophorum</i> and <i>Treponema</i> spp., while <i>D. nodosus</i> was consistent. In conclusion, the findings show a low prevalence of footrot, CODD, <i>D. nodosus</i>, and <i>F. necrophorum</i> in Swedish sheep flocks. Continuous surveillance and owner education are important to maintain this favourable status.