Footrot is a chronic bacterial infection in cattle, horses, pigs, deer and mouflons. The disease leads to huge economical losses in the wool, meat and dairy industry. Although Dichelobacter nodosus is considered the essential transmitter of the disease, a complex synergism exists with Fusobacterium necrophorum. Recent reports suggest that F. necrophorum may manifest itself in more than one form, depending on the animal species. This review summarizes the characteristics of D. nodosus and F. necrophorum, discusses the genes involved in virulence, and addresses the methods used in prevention and treatment of the disease.