Lameness affects a significant proportion of sheep globally, causing chronic pain and welfare harm that is frequently undertreated due to detection difficulty and treatment cost.
Sheep lameness is one of the most prevalent welfare problems in sheep farming worldwide, yet it is frequently undertreated or treated incorrectly. Lame sheep suffer chronic pain that reduces feed intake, body condition, and productivity. Detection is challenging because sheep are prey animals that mask pain. Evidence-based treatment protocols - primarily antibiotic injection rather than foot trimming - are more effective but require veterinary engagement and monitoring. The five-point lameness plan adopted by UK sheep farming organizations has improved outcomes where implemented.