Lameness is the most significant welfare problem in sheep farming globally; most cases are preventable or treatable, but adequate management is inconsistent across flocks.
Sheep lameness causes significant and prolonged suffering. Footrot and digital dermatitis cause intense pain that impairs walking, feeding, and social behavior. Lame ewes in late pregnancy face greater mortality and worse lamb outcomes. The problem is compounded by sheep's tendency to hide pain — behavioral indicators of lameness may not be obvious until the condition is advanced. The farming industry has recognized lameness as a priority welfare issue, but survey data consistently show the gap between best practice and average flock management remains large.