Lameness in sheep is widespread, causes significant chronic pain, and is often undertreated due to cost, time pressures, and the stoic nature of sheep.
Lameness in sheep causes chronic pain that is underrecognised because sheep have evolved to hide weakness. Studies using pain scales show lame sheep experience significant sustained pain. The cumulative welfare impact across millions of sheep is enormous. Early treatment within three days of noticing lameness dramatically improves outcomes. Preventive vaccination against footrot and good hoof trimming practices reduce prevalence substantially. Economic incentives for treatment are strong but cultural attitudes to sheep welfare lag behind those for cattle.