301 – Footrot and interdigital dermatitis in sheep_ farmer satisfaction with current management their ideal management and sources used to adopt new strategies (Research paper – Wassink – 2010)

301 Research paper – Wassink – 2010 – Footrot and interdigital dermatitis in sheep_ farmer satisfaction with current management their ideal management and sources used to adopt new strateg

In Significant Impact Groups: Pathogen management \ Managing sick animals; Targeted use of antibiotics
Species targeted: Sheep;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
160 UK sheep farmers were asked via questionnaire about their current management for footrot sheep and their satisfaction with it. Farmers satisfied with current management reported </= 5% lameness. Farmers reported treating lame sheep within 3 days of first seeing them lame, and those with FR/ID with parenteral antibiotics. Farmers dissatisfied with their management reported >5% lameness. These farmers practised routine foot trimming, footbathing and vaccination against footrot. Whilst 89% of farmers said they were satisfied with their management of FR, >34% were interested in changing what they did. Farmers reported that ideally they would control FR by culling/isolating lame sheep, sourcing replacements from non-lames, trimming feet less, using less antibiotics and using vaccination more. Footbathing was common, linked with dissatisfaction but also listed highly as ideal management. Some of the ideal managements aligned with best practice but others contrasted with it suggesting cognitive dissonance was present.

Where to find the original material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20594602/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.06.002
Country: UK