Foot Rot: Causes, Prevention, and Early Treatment: Foot rot is one of those small problems that can quickly turn into a big loss if ignored. It starts quietly, but once it sets in, animals lose weight, stop feeding well, and may even become permanently lame. What Causes Foot Rot? Foot rot is mainly caused by bacteria that thrive in: Wet, muddy, and dirty pens Poor drainage around housing areas Injuries or cracks in the hoof Walking long distances on rough or sharp surfaces Once bacteria enter th