Formalin and footrot in sheep

Authors: Ross AD
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 10, pp 170-172, Oct 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Hoof/claw, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Limb - lower, Locomotor, Research/development, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Changes in formalin concentration were measured over time in uncontaminated solutions and solutions heavily contaminated by mud, faeces, wool or straw. Shallow plastic trays containing 1.11 of a 9% aqueous solution of formalin were exposed for 6 days (trial 1) or 8 days (trial 2) to windy autumn weather. Evaporation of solution volumes was high (47-73%). Concentration generally increased over time: by 13-31% in trial 1 and by 61-162% in trial 2. These figures represent actual increases in percentage formalin of up to 3.0% in trial 1 and up to 7.6% in trial 2. Exposure to mud, sheep faeces or wool did not affect the increase in concentration but there was no increase in the presence of straw. As exposure to excessively concentrated formalin solutions produces hyperaemia, cracking of interdigital skin and lameness in sheep it is recommended that footbath solutions should be diluted to 2-S%, prepared on the day of use and discarded daily whether contaminated or not. Addition of formalin or water to existing solutions of unknown strength should be avoided.

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