CODD

CODD stands for contagious ovine digital dermatitis.

Diagnosis

• Small, ulcerated areas at the top of the hoof horn that lead to separation of horn down the hoof towards the toe
• In severe cases the hoof horn falls off
• The lesion is much bloodier than footrot, but often has a similar odour

In the first year of a CODD outbreak up to 50% of a flock can be affected; this includes both adults and lambs.

See more pictures of CODD.

Treatment

• Do not trim – trimming will delay healing
• Treat all cases with long-acting antibiotic injection and antibiotic spray to all four feet
• Separate lame sheep
• Record all sheep that you treat and mark the lame limb with durable spray; cull ewes that require 2 or more treatments in a season
• CODD is very painful, you may therefore consider giving pain relief medication
• CODD can be persistent and may sometimes require two doses of antibiotics

CODD can be difficult to get on top of when it first enters a flock, therefore it is worth consulting your vet for advice.

Watch the video to find out more about CODD.