Farmed Animals

Footrot and Lameness Welfare in Sheep

Footrot and lameness are major welfare problems in sheep flocks that cause chronic pain and are largely preventable.

Key Facts

Footrot affects up to 10 percent of sheep in some UK flocks and is the leading cause of lameness
The condition causes severe pain and sheep with footrot spend increased time lying down
Prompt treatment including antibiotic injection dramatically reduces suffering duration
A five-point plan including vaccination and culling of chronic cases can eliminate footrot from flocks
Wet conditions and high stocking density increase footrot incidence significantly

Welfare Considerations

Footrot causes chronic pain that affects feeding, movement, and social behaviour in sheep. The condition is preventable and treatable, yet high prevalence in many flocks reflects inadequate welfare monitoring and management. The welfare obligation is to detect and treat lameness promptly and systematically.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that include mandatory lameness monitoring in sheep flocks
Choose lamb and wool from farms with documented low lameness rates
Advocate for lameness reduction targets in sheep welfare certification
Support farmer training in prompt footrot detection and treatment protocols