Sheep Lameness: Footrot, CODD and Welfare Management

Lameness is one of the most prevalent and welfare-significant conditions in sheep flocks worldwide, requiring systematic prevention and treatment as a welfare priority.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 10% of sheep in UK flocks at any given time, with lifetime prevalence much higher
Footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is the most common cause of lameness in sheep worldwide
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis is an increasingly prevalent and painful lameness condition
Lame sheep show reduced grazing, weight loss and reduced reproductive performance reflecting their compromised welfare
The five-point plan for sheep lameness developed by AHDB provides evidence-based prevention and treatment guidance
Prompt treatment within 3 days of lameness detection significantly improves outcomes and reduces chronic disease

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness causes significant chronic suffering that is often normalised in flock management contexts. The percentage of lame sheep in many flocks would be considered unacceptable if it reflected any other welfare condition, yet lameness tends to receive less urgent attention. Pain from footrot and CODD is substantial — lame sheep are in persistent pain with every step. Systematic prevention through vaccination, quarantine and prompt treatment of new cases dramatically reduces flock lameness and the suffering it causes.

What You Can Do

Implement the five-point sheep lameness plan: promptly treat, avoid buying in lameness, cull chronically lame sheep, vaccinate against footrot, breed for resistance
Treat lame sheep within three days of identification rather than delaying
Quarantine all bought-in stock to prevent introduction of new lameness strains
Use footrot vaccines where appropriate to reduce herd prevalence
Monitor and record lameness prevalence to track improvement and identify persistent problems