Sheep Lameness: Prevention and Treatment

Lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in sheep, affecting up to 10% of flocks and causing chronic pain that is often undertreated.

Key Facts

Footrot and foot scald are the most common causes of sheep lameness
Lame sheep lose weight, have reduced reproductive performance, and may be unable to reach water
Many farmers delay treatment due to handling costs and difficulty of detection
The SCOPS code recommends treating lame sheep within 3 days of detection
Vaccination and footbathing can significantly reduce flock lameness prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Lame sheep experience significant pain, demonstrated by changes in weight-bearing, posture, and feeding behavior. Pain assessment tools like the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale are increasingly applied to sheep but remain underused in practice. Cultural attitudes that normalize a degree of lameness as acceptable farm management represent a significant barrier to welfare improvement. Early detection, prompt treatment, and preventative programs can dramatically reduce both the prevalence and duration of painful lameness.

What You Can Do

Support farmers adopting the SCOPS five-point plan for lameness control
Advocate for lameness recording and reporting requirements in sheep welfare standards
Learn to identify lame sheep and encourage early treatment
Support research into pain management protocols for common sheep conditions