Sheep lameness is a significant welfare and production problem affecting millions of animals annually; most causes are treatable and prevention through good management is achievable.
Sheep lameness causes chronic pain that is difficult to identify without systematic monitoring due to the stoic nature of sheep and the practical challenge of observing individuals in large flocks. A lame sheep falls behind the flock, has reduced access to grazing and social contact, and experiences ongoing pain from the causative condition. The conditions responsible for most sheep lameness are treatable when identified early, but tend to worsen significantly with delayed treatment. Regular structured foot checks that enable early identification and treatment of lame sheep are the most welfare-effective management intervention available to sheep farmers.