Lameness is one of the most prevalent welfare problems in sheep farming, affecting millions of animals annually. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to reducing the duration of pain and suffering.
Sheep lameness causes prolonged suffering that is frequently underestimated and undertreated. Because sheep are prey animals, they mask pain effectively and may continue to graze and move despite severe discomfort. Stockpeople without lameness recognition training may not identify affected animals until lameness is advanced. Footrot causes extreme pain — equivalent to walking on broken glass according to pain scoring research — and can persist for months without treatment. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics and foot trimming is effective but requires prompt application. Vaccination against the main footrot pathogen is available and can dramatically reduce flock prevalence. Regular mobility scoring and a zero-tolerance approach to untreated lameness are the most impactful welfare interventions.