Abstract :
Norway was regarded to be free from footrot until the detection of Dichelobacter nodosus
in a flock suffering from severe lameness in 2008. D. nodosus was subsequently shown to
be prevalent throughout the country. However, virulent strains were only isolated from
sheep in one out of 19 counties. Severe footrot has been diagnoses in a total of 97 sheep
flocks. An elimination program was established, based on clinical examination, slaughter
of selected animals, foot bathing with zinc sulphate, judicious use of clean pastures and
ongoing clinical monitoring, with the aim of eliminating severe footrot. The elimination
program has so far been carried out in 35 flocks with severe footrot and preliminary results
indicate a success rate of 65–70%. The continued success of the program is important to
ensure economic productivity and high standards of animal welfare.
