Lameness is the most prevalent welfare problem in sheep worldwide. Its causes are well understood and largely preventable, yet it persists at unacceptable levels across the industry.
Sheep lameness causes prolonged, significant suffering. A sheep unable to bear weight on a limb cannot graze normally, falls behind the flock, and is vulnerable to predation and secondary health problems. Research using pain scoring methodologies confirms that footrot causes pain equivalent to severe human pain conditions. The welfare problem is compounded by its high prevalence and the tendency of farmers to delay treatment, often until lameness is severe. The 3-3-3 rule provides a practical framework: prompt treatment within 3 days of detection, a target herd prevalence below 3%, and treatment at least 3 weeks before any livestock movement. Antibiotic treatment of footrot is effective, but concerns about resistance are driving adoption of footbathing, vaccination, and genetics selection for resistant animals. Culling repeatedly lame individuals prevents prolonged suffering and removes genetic predisposition from the flock.