UK surveys find lameness prevalence of 3-10% in sheep flocks, with higher rates in some regions. In a flock of 500 sheep, that represents 15-50 animals experiencing chronic pain at any time. Lameness is consistently ranked by farm veterinarians and welfare scientists as a top sheep welfare priority.
Footrot (Dichelobacter nodosus) and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) cause the majority of sheep lameness. Footrot causes severe interdigital infection and hoof horn separation. CODD causes rapidly progressive ulceration of the coronary band and severe lameness. White line disease, foot abscesses, and toe granulomas also contribute.
Sheep are prey animals that suppress behavioral pain signals. Facial grimace scales (ovine pain scale), gait scoring, and posture assessment are validated tools for sheep pain recognition. Lameness scores 0-3 provide objective assessment for monitoring and treatment decisions.
Footrot responds to zinc sulfate footbaths, antibiotic spray, and injectable penicillin in severe cases. CODD requires injectable antibiotic treatment (oxytetracycline). The Five Point Plan (developed at University of Warwick) provides evidence-based lameness control including prompt treatment, culling of chronic cases, and vaccination.
NSAIDs (meloxicam) significantly reduce pain and accelerate recovery in lame sheep. Despite evidence of welfare benefit, NSAID use in sheep is underutilized in many regions. Veterinary prescription requirements and cost are barriers. Farming assurance schemes increasingly require NSAID provision for lame sheep.
Vaccination against footrot (Footvax) reduces prevalence significantly in controlled trials. Biosecurity to prevent disease introduction, regular hoof trimming, and good pasture management reduce incidence. The AHDB (UK) Five-Point Plan targets 5% lameness prevalence as a welfare benchmark.