Lameness is one of the most prevalent and welfare-significant conditions in sheep. Footrot, scald, and CODD cause chronic pain in millions of sheep that is frequently underrecognised and undertreated.
Sheep lameness causes chronic pain that is among the most welfare-significant issues in the sheep industry globally. Research using validated pain assessment tools including the Sheep Grimace Scale confirms that footrot and CODD cause substantial pain that impairs normal behaviour — lame sheep graze less, rest more, and avoid herd activity. The progressive nature of footrot means that delayed treatment allows painful lesions to deepen and become chronic. Farm-level lameness management has historically focused on economics rather than welfare, but evidence demonstrates these are aligned — early treatment reduces pain and production loss simultaneously. Farmers trained to identify early lameness signs and treat promptly achieve better welfare outcomes and lower flock prevalence. The five-point plan provides a structured framework for systematic flock-level reduction.