Lameness is one of the most prevalent and welfare-significant conditions in sheep flocks globally. Effective prevention and prompt treatment dramatically reduce suffering.
Sheep lameness represents one of the largest welfare problems in extensive livestock farming, affecting millions of animals globally with conditions that cause significant chronic pain. The stoic nature of sheep means lameness often goes unnoticed until it is severe — sheep that continue to graze despite severe footrot are experiencing considerable suffering that may be invisible to casual observation. The economic motivation to treat lameness promptly aligns with welfare imperatives, yet treatment is often delayed due to the practicalities of gathering and handling extensive flocks. Effective flock management programs combining vaccination, prompt identification, and within-three-day treatment significantly reduce both prevalence and severity of lameness and its associated welfare burden.