Farmed Sheep Lameness Prevention and Treatment

Lameness is one of the most prevalent and welfare-significant conditions affecting farmed sheep, causing chronic pain that impairs movement, grazing, and social behavior.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of sheep in some UK flocks
Footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis are the most common causes
Lame sheep lose body condition rapidly due to reduced grazing ability
Early treatment significantly reduces recovery time and spread to flock members
Five-point plans for lameness control have demonstrated effectiveness at herd level

Welfare Considerations

Chronic lameness in sheep causes continuous pain, reducing quality of life over weeks or months before many farmers intervene. Sheep are stoic animals that continue to move and graze despite significant pain, making lameness easy to underestimate. Systematic flock monitoring, prompt treatment, footbathing programs, and culling of chronically affected animals are all effective welfare improvements. Financial incentives tied to welfare outcomes can motivate farmer adoption of best practices.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes that include lameness monitoring requirements
Learn about the Five-Point Lameness Plan promoted by AHDB Sheep
Advocate for funding for farm animal welfare extension services
Choose meat from producers enrolled in welfare assurance programs with lameness standards