Hoof rot and foot scald are fairly common in commercial flocks of sheep.
There has never been hoof rot on our farm, and the Soay sheep on our farm have never suffered from hoof rot or foot scald. Occasionally a sheep will suffer from a "plugged duct," which is located between their toes and can become plugged by mud, causing discomfort to the sheep. We clean the duct of mud and the problem is solved. Wet Washington is prone to mud in winter, and we do all we can to keep our sheep out of it. Using rock, gravel or concrete pathways to their watertank helps keep them out of the worst of the mud in winter and spring.
See our Hoof Trimming page for information and detailed photos on how to trim hooves.
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