Farmed Animals

Sheep Lameness: A Preventable Welfare Crisis

Lameness affects approximately 10% of UK sheep at any time and causes chronic pain that significantly impairs welfare and production.

Key Facts

Footrot and scald account for over 80% of UK sheep lameness
Lame sheep lose 0.5-1 kg of body weight per week from reduced grazing activity
COSHH-compliant footbathing every 2-3 weeks dramatically reduces footrot prevalence
The Five-Point Lameness Plan provides an evidence-based prevention protocol for flocks

Welfare Considerations

A lame sheep cannot graze effectively, compete for resources, or fulfill reproductive roles. Chronic lameness causes welfare compromise across months rather than days. Footrot is highly contagious and can spread through a flock within weeks of introduction. Prevention through routine footbathing, culling of chronically lame animals, and prompt treatment of new cases is far more effective and humane than treatment alone.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farming systems with documented lameness monitoring and the Five-Point Plan
Choose lamb from farms with certified welfare standards including lameness management
Advocate for lameness scoring to be a mandatory welfare indicator in sheep certification
Support veterinary and farmer education programs on the Five-Point Lameness Plan