Foul-in-the-foot is an infection found between the digits. It affects the tissues under the skin in this area, causing severe pain, swelling of the foot and marked lameness.Foul is a common cause of lameness in youngstock and fattening units. Among dairy cows it can be common in young heifers that have recently been introduced to the herd, but it can occur at any age and is found throughout the year in housed and grazing cows.The infection is caused by bacteria that are normal components of the cow's environment. The bacteria invade through sites of injury and inflamed skin. So, an environment that aids the damage or softening of the interdigital skin increases the spread ofthe disease.Such adverse environments can range from dry hard ground to wet, muddy areas around gates and troughs.
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