Characteristics of Sheep Lameness: In an article by (Winter, 2008) states that "lameness is a common cause of welfare and economic concern in most sheep-raising countries" . There are three common lameness problems caused by microbial organisms. These are interdigital dermatitis, lameness and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD). Interdigital dermatitis: it is a very common type of lameness in sheep. It can also be called Scald. It is caused by a bacterium known as Fusobacterium necrophorum. (Winter, 2008) explains how the effects of the bacterium are limited to the interdigital skin located between the claws. It has been found to be present in ewes and lambs of all ages and is particularly common in growing lambs in spring and autumn. F. necrophorum are found abundantly in the environment and in animal feces. Prefers a warm, humid environment. Once affected, the interdigital space appears moist, inflamed, and red or gray in color. Footrot: is a secondary microbial infection after interdigital dermatitis has occurred. Second (winter 2008) another microbe known as Dicholiobacter nodus. This bacterium coupled with the F. necrophorum bacterium causes lesions on the foot. The lesions that occur can reside exclusively in the interdigital space or in the most serious cases they can cause the total detachment of the horn from the foot. According to (Egerton, 2007) the development of Footrot depends on the correlation between host, environment and agent. This will decipher the severity, persistence and onset of the infection. The severity also depends on the strain of D. nodosus infecting the animal. The proteases produced by the bacterium and its fibers will decide the severity of the infection. In a study conducted by (Olse......middle of paper......ointment for the infection which then spreads to the claws causing them to become sore and swollen. (Winter, 2004) explains how in a short period of time the pus accumulates and exits the hoof from the coronary band. Even after this happens, the animal is likely to remain severely lame and the affected toes will generally remain deformed and swollen. Granuloma is another cause of lameness on farms typically associated with excessive clotting of the hoof. It is not caused by the entry of a bacterium into the hoof, however the hoof may have been clogged due to a bacterial infection and a study by (Winter, 2008) occurred ) has identified granulomas on the front of the foot or toe. They typically consist of vascular growths of granulation tissue on the foot that may act as a reservoir for D. nodus bacteria to continue to infect the group.