Cost–benefit analysis of management practices for ewes lame with footrot. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winter, Joanne R.; Green, Laura E.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary journal. Volume 220(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Sheep -- Footrot -- Lameness -- Financial costs -- Management practices; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.11.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-0233

Abstract

Highlights: In flocks of sheep in England, the cost of lameness was greater in flocks with >10% lameness than flocks with <5% lameness. Treating lame ewes with antibiotics was associated with lower costs of lameness. Routine foot trimming and foot bathing were associated with higher costs of lameness. Greater costs of lameness in high-prevalence flocks were due to production losses. Farmers satisfied with their management spent less time and money managing lameness. Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the cost–benefit of different strategies to treat and control ovine footrot. In November 2006, 162 sheep farmers in England responded to a survey on prevalence and management of lameness. The costs of lameness per ewe per year (PEPY) were calculated for 116 flocks. Linear regression was used to model the overall cost of lameness PEPY by management method. Associations between farmer satisfaction and time and money spent managing lameness were investigated. The median prevalence of lameness was 5% (inter-quartile range, IQR, 4–10%). The overall cost of lameness PEPY in flocks with ≥10% lameness was UK £6.35 versus £3.90 for flocks with <5% lameness. Parenteral antibiotic treatment was associated with a significantly lower overall cost of lameness by £0.79 PEPY. Routine foot trimming and foot bathing were associated with significantly higher overall costs of lameness PEPY of £2.96 and £0.90, respectively. Farmers satisfied with time managing lameness spent significantly less time (1.46 h PEPY) than unsatisfied farmers (1.90 h PEPY). Farmers satisfied with money spent managing lameness had significantly lower treatment (£2.94 PEPY) and overall (£5.00 PEPY) costs than dissatisfied farmers (£5.50 and £7.60 PEPY, respectively). If the farmers in this study adopted best practice of parenteral antibiotic treatment with no routine foot trimming, and minimised foot bathing to treatment/prevention of interdigital dermatitis, the financial benefits would be approximately £4.65 PEPY. If these costs are similar on other farms the management changes would lead to significant economic benefits for the sheep industry.