Lameness affects an estimated 10% of sheep in commercial flocks at any time, causing significant pain and production losses, yet it remains under-recognized and undertreated in many farming systems.
Sheep lameness is one of the most prevalent and underaddressed welfare problems in ruminant farming. The stoic nature of sheep means that lameness is often more advanced than it appears, with animals in significant pain continuing to move with the flock. Early detection requires trained stockpeople who actively look for subtle gait changes. Treatment within three days of first signs dramatically improves recovery rates and reduces duration of suffering. Systematic lameness management programs demonstrate that high lameness prevalence is not inevitable and reflects management choices rather than inherent disease pressure.