Farm Animals

Sheep Welfare in Extensive Grazing Systems

Extensively grazed sheep are often perceived as naturally kept animals, but face significant welfare challenges including parasite burden, mulesing, and predation.

Key Facts

Over 1 billion sheep are farmed worldwide, mostly in extensive systems
Barber pole worm infestations cause severe anemia and death in many regions
Mulesing — removing skin from the breech — is practiced in Australia without analgesia
Flystrike (blowfly larvae infestation) causes extreme suffering and rapid death
Extensive systems often limit access to veterinary care during illness

Welfare Considerations

The pastoral image of sheep on open hillsides masks real welfare challenges. Parasite resistance to anthelmintics is growing, making worm control increasingly difficult. Mulesing causes significant pain and is practiced to reduce flystrike risk — a genuine welfare tradeoff that has alternatives. Sheep are stoic animals whose suffering is often invisible until it is severe, requiring proactive rather than reactive welfare management.

What You Can Do

Choose wool labeled as non-mulesed or Responsible Wool Standard certified
Support research into mulesing alternatives including breeding and topical treatments
Advocate for mandatory pain relief for all surgical procedures in sheep husbandry
Learn the signs of flystrike and parasite burden to recognize sheep welfare problems