Lameness is one of the most welfare-significant conditions in sheep, and effective management requires prompt identification, treatment, and preventive measures.
Lame sheep experience significant pain that impairs normal behaviour including grazing and social interaction. The welfare burden of untreated lameness compounds over time as condition deteriorates. Effective lameness control requires regular flock inspection, prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics and hoof paring, and preventive measures including vaccination and footbathing. Setting lameness prevalence targets and measuring against them creates accountability for welfare improvement.