Necrobacillosis (deer footrot)
Necrobacillosis, also called deer foot rot, is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and deep tissues of the legs of deer. It is caused by a bacteria called Fusobacterium necrophorum, naturally present in the environment, particularly...
What is it?
Necrobacillosis, also called deer foot rot, is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and deep tissues of the legs of deer. It is caused by a bacteria called Fusobacterium necrophorum, naturally present in the environment, particularly in wet and muddy soils. This disease causes painful lesions on the hooves and sometimes higher on the paw, leading to lameness and significant suffering. It affects both wild deer and those raised in parks or enclosures, particularly when soil hygiene conditions are unfavorable.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The most visible sign is lameness, which can affect one or more legs. The area between the hooves or around the hoof becomes swollen, hot and painful to the touch. \n\nWeeping, smelly, non-healing sores often appear, sometimes with a discharge of pus. \n\nThe affected animal walks with difficulty, stays lying down longer than usual, and avoids putting weight on the affected leg. \n\nIn advanced forms, the infection can move up the leg, causing fever, general depression and loss of appetite. Untreated severe cases can lead to sepsis, which is the spread of the infection throughout the body.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by the bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum, sometimes associated with other opportunistic bacteria such as Trueperella pyogenes. This bacteria enters the body through a small wound, a crack in the skin between the hooves, or an injury caused by abrasive soil, gravel or sharp debris. Once entered, it multiplies in the tissues and causes necrosis, that is to say a local destruction of the tissues.
Wet, muddy or manure soils favor the survival of the bacteria and the softening of the skin on the feet, making it easier for them to enter. \n\nThe overdensity of animals in an enclosure, repeated trampling of the same area, as well as an abrasive floor or one littered with sharp debris increase the risk of initial injuries. \n\nPeriods of heavy rain or poorly maintained water and feed points are areas at particular risk. A weakened immune system, for example due to stress, undernutrition or other illness, makes the animal more vulnerable.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian examines the affected paw, assesses the extent of the lesions and their characteristic odor. It can clean and trim the infected area to better visualize the affected tissues. \n\nIn some cases, a sample may be taken to confirm the presence of the bacteria or rule out other causes of lameness. The general examination of the animal also makes it possible to check whether the infection has spread beyond the foot.
Treatment
Treatment involves careful cleaning and trimming of damaged tissue to remove dead tissue. Antibiotic treatment is generally necessary to control the bacterial infection, in local or general form depending on the severity. \n\nAnti-inflammatories or painkillers may be prescribed to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In very advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to remove deeply affected tissue.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is mainly based on environmental management. It is advisable to limit mud and stagnant humidity in enclosures, particularly around water points and feeding areas, by moving them regularly. \n\nRemoving sharp debris, sharp stones or metal objects from the ground reduces the risk of injury. \n\nAvoiding an excess density of animals in the same space limits excessive trampling and the spread of bacteria. \n\nRegular monitoring of the condition of deer's legs, especially after episodes of rain, allows you to spot the first signs before they get worse.
Possible complications
Without treatment, the infection can spread to the tendons, joints and bone, making recovery much more difficult. Generalized septicemia can occur in severe cases, putting the animal's life at risk. Chronic lameness or permanent deformity of the foot may also persist even after the infection has cleared.
When to see a veterinarian
Lameness that persists or worsens over several days.
Swelling, warmth or smelly sore in the foot.
Animal that refuses to get up or put its paw on the ground.
Signs of fever, depression or loss of appetite associated with lameness.
Prognosis
The prognosis is favorable if the disease is detected and treated early, with often complete recovery. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of complications and after-effects, particularly if the infection affects the deeper structures of the foot. Very advanced cases with bone involvement or septicemia have a more guarded prognosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is necrobacillosis contagious between deer?
The bacteria responsible lives mainly in the soil and the environment rather than being transmitted directly from one animal to another. However, a favorable shared environment, such as muddy ground, can cause the disease to appear in multiple animals in the same enclosure.
Can a wild deer recover from this disease on its own?
A very slight lesion can sometimes heal on its own, but without treatment, the infection tends to get worse and spread. Veterinary care significantly improves the chances of a complete recovery.
Does this disease only affect the legs?
It almost always starts in the foot, but in advanced cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, causing general damage to the body.
How to recognize lameness linked to necrobacillosis rather than another cause?
The particular odor and the oozing appearance of the lesion are clues, but only a veterinary examination can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of lameness such as a fracture or arthritis.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 15 September 2026
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