Footrot is one of the most painful and welfare-significant conditions affecting sheep, causing severe lameness that is often underrecognised and undertreated.
Sheep with footrot show elevated pain indicators and significantly reduced mobility. Lameness impairs grazing and results in condition loss, particularly in late pregnancy. Flock-level footrot management through vaccination, prompt identification and treatment, and breeding selection for foot health can dramatically reduce the welfare burden of this preventable disease.