What Is Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD)
Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD), first recognised in 1997, is a severe foot condition that affects Sheep. It’s thought to have originated from dairy cattle due to Digital Dermatitis being the most prominent cause of lameness.
Sheep that have contracted CODD will tend to display severe signs of lameness in one foot, typically stemming from an infection of one digit. This ultimately leads to reduced grazing activity, with the Sheep spending longer periods laying down to alleviate the foot pain. You will also see a rapid decline in body condition.
Up to 50% of your flock, adults and lambs, can be affected with CODD depending on the severity of the outbreak. Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis can set a lambs’ growth back several weeks, or in some extreme cases – months! During the following year, the outbreaks of CODD will usually be less severe.
It’s not uncommon for CODD and Footrot to be discovered in some flocks.
What is the Cause of Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis
While this is, to this day, still not fully understood, Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD) is a severe foot condition of sheep first described in 1997. The condition is caused by a spirochaete resembling those involved in digital dermatitis in cattle which has led to the adoption of the current name.
How To Spot Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis
- Check the top of the hoof around the coronary band for signs of infection.
- Look for signs of a small ulcerated area when checking the hoof.
- Check the under-run of the hoof horn capsule, all the way to the toe.
- Check to see if the horn capsule has become completely detached.
How To Aid in the Prevention & Treatment For Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis
Footbath your sheep once a week when possible with a 10% diluted solution of CZF Plus, ensuring that the animals walk slowly and calmly through the footbath and preferably out onto dry had ground. For those that have persistent infections that foot bathing alone will not heal, use CZ Hoof Cream. Clean the hoof, apply the cream and bandage, leave for 2-3 days and then repeat. Usually only 2 applications are required but a third can be used for more severe cases.
Further Prevention of CODD
The greatest risk of your farm being infected with CODD is purchased Sheep. They don’t always appear lame from the onset but could still be carrying the disease. A few steps you should always take when purchasing Sheep are as follows:
- Check the flock history of the vendor and only buy from vendors that have a CODD free history.
- Inspect and turn over the feet of all of your bought-in or returning Sheep. Many sheep displaying early CODD lesions will not appear lame but can still spread the disease throughout the flock.
- Quarantine any returning or purchased stock for a minimum of 28 days, longer if possible.
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