Farm Animals

Sheep Lameness Prevention on Farms

Lameness is among the most prevalent welfare problems in sheep flocks and is largely preventable through management and hoof care.

Key Facts

Footrot and foot scald together cause up to 90% of lameness cases in UK sheep
Lame sheep lose body condition rapidly and have reduced reproductive success
Early treatment within three days of lameness onset dramatically improves outcomes
Vaccination against Dichelobacter nodosus reduces footrot prevalence significantly

Welfare Considerations

Chronic lameness causes persistent pain and reduces a sheep's ability to compete for feed and maintain social standing. Flock monitoring programs that identify lame individuals within 48 hours and apply prompt treatment prevent escalation. Farmers who establish five-point plans including vaccination, culling, footbathing, prompt treatment, and avoiding purchasing infected animals achieve the lowest lameness prevalence.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance schemes requiring lameness monitoring records
Advocate for subsidized veterinary access for small sheep farmers
Encourage uptake of footrot vaccination programs in sheep-farming regions
Choose wool and lamb products from farms with documented low lameness rates