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Moisture and trauma allow ''F. necrophorum'' to enter which aids bacterial penetration of the epidermis by ''D. nodosus'' resulting in [[Necrosis - Pathology|necrosis]] and [Inflammation - Introduction|[inflammation]].
Moisture and trauma allow ''F. necrophorum'' to enter which aids bacterial penetration of the epidermis by ''D. nodosus'' resulting in [[Necrosis - Pathology|necrosis]] and [Inflammation - Introduction|[inflammation]].
Carrier animals are a major source of infection and are difficult to find as they are often sub clinical cases.
Carrier animals are a major source of infection and are difficult to find as they are often sub clinical cases.
Recovery occurs but animals are not immune following an initial infection.
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Can be made on a history of lameness and rapid spread amongst the flock in combination with clinical signs.
Can be made on a history of lameness and rapid spread amongst the flock in combination with clinical signs.
Early cases only affecting the interdigital space may be mistaken for ovine interdital dermatitis and more sever cases may be confused with a foot abscess.
==Clinical Signs==
==Clinical Signs==
Lameness is often the first clinical sign to be noted and can vary in severity. Under-running of the horn is present and there is often a necrotic discharge which causes the characteristic foul 'odour'.
Lameness is often the first clinical sign to be noted and can vary in severity. In the worst cases sheep become recumbent or on their knees.
If rams are affected they may not be able to serve and if ewes are affected they may not be able to take the weight of a ram.
Under-running of the horn is present and there is often a necrotic discharge which causes the characteristic foul 'odour'.
==Pathology==
==Pathology==