Sheep Lameness: Prevention and Welfare

The welfare burden of lameness in sheep and evidence-based approaches to prevention, early detection, and effective treatment in flocks.

Key Facts

Lameness affects approximately 3-10% of sheep in UK flocks at any given time and is the second leading welfare problem in the species
Footrot (Dichelobacter nodosus) and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) are the most prevalent causes of severe lameness
Lame sheep have impaired grazing ability, lose body condition, have compromised reproductive performance, and experience chronic pain
The Five Point Plan for sheep lameness recommends treating within 3 days of first signs, using effective antibiotics, and culling non-responders
Footbathing with zinc sulfate or formalin reduces environmental bacterial load but is not sufficient as a sole treatment for active infections
Breeding for foot conformation and resistance to footrot using EGENES (estimated breeding values) can reduce flock lameness prevalence over time

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness represents a significant chronic welfare problem that affects millions of sheep annually. Unlike cattle, lame sheep often continue moving in a flock at significant cost in terms of pain and body condition loss, making early identification challenging. Stockpersons who routinely and systematically observe their flock — ideally weekly during active grazing — are far more likely to catch lameness early when it is most responsive to treatment. The Five Point Plan approach, developed by UK researchers, has transformed outcomes in farms that adopt it fully. Culling sheep that fail to respond to three appropriate treatments eliminates chronic carriers from the flock and reduces disease pressure. Reducing lameness prevalence requires both individual animal treatment and whole-flock management improvement.

What You Can Do

If you manage sheep, implement systematic weekly lameness scoring and treat affected animals within 3 days of identification
Work with your veterinarian to identify the predominant lameness cause in your flock and develop an appropriate treatment protocol
Implement the Five Point Plan: treat promptly, use effective antibiotics, cull non-responders, vaccinate where appropriate, and avoid buying in infection
Consider lameness resistance breeding values when selecting rams to gradually reduce flock genetic susceptibility
Ensure adequate nutrition, particularly trace elements including zinc and biotin, to support hoof horn integrity and immune function