Sheep Lameness Prevention and Treatment

Lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in sheep flocks globally. Footrot, foot scald, and shelly hoof are common causes requiring systematic prevention and treatment.

Key Facts

Lameness affects 3-10% of sheep in UK flocks at any one time, with higher rates in wet conditions
Footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is a major cause and can be eradicated with vaccination and treatment
Affected sheep show reduced grazing time, weight loss, and behavioral signs of pain
The 5-point plan for footrot eradication has achieved flock-level elimination in many UK farms
Antibiotic treatment should be targeted based on accurate diagnosis rather than routine application
Hoof trimming should be minimized as excessive trimming damages protective structures

Welfare Considerations

Lame sheep suffer chronic pain that impairs their ability to graze, competing for resources, and engage in normal social behavior. Lameness is often under-recognized in sheep because subtle early signs are missed and because treating individual sheep in large flocks is challenging. However, flock-level eradication of footrot is demonstrably achievable using vaccination, isolation of affected animals, and strategic antibiotic treatment — representing one of the most effective large-scale welfare improvements available to sheep farmers. Regular locomotion scoring of flocks enables early identification and treatment before mild lameness becomes chronic and severe. Five percent of a flock showing lameness is not acceptable as a normal farming outcome.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farmers implementing the five-point plan for footrot eradication
Advocate for mandatory flock lameness monitoring and reporting in sheep farming regulations
Choose lamb from farms with documented low lameness prevalence and active treatment protocols
Learn about sheep locomotion scoring to recognize lameness during farm visits
Support research into effective, antibiotic-minimizing approaches to sheep lameness control