Story: Sheep farming

Footrotting

Footrotting

Footrot is caused by the combined action of two anaerobic bacteria which infect the inside of a sheep’s hoof. This farmer is cutting away part of the hard outer horn of a Merino ram’s foot, exposing the bacteria to the air so the infection can be treated. This is a back-breaking job when there are many sheep to treat.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQT 6401/A1562

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How to cite this page:

Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden, 'Sheep farming - The Merino – the earliest breed', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16630/footrotting (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden, published 24 Nov 2008, updated 1 Mar 2015