Sheep Lameness: Foot Rot Prevention and Treatment

Foot rot is one of the most painful and prevalent conditions in sheep, affecting welfare and productivity. Systematic prevention and prompt treatment are essential on every sheep farm.

Key Facts

Foot rot affects up to 10% of sheep in affected flocks at any given time
It is caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus and causes severe lameness
Lame sheep spend more time lying down and lose condition rapidly
Vaccination programs can dramatically reduce flock prevalence
Footbathing and prompt individual treatment are the cornerstones of control

Welfare Considerations

Foot rot causes intense pain that profoundly affects sheep welfare. Lame sheep cannot compete for food and water, leading to weight loss, reduced milk production, and reproductive failure. The pain discourages movement, causing sheep to spend extended periods kneeling or lying, which worsens condition further. Research shows lame sheep have elevated stress hormones and reduced immune function. A target of less than 2% lameness prevalence in a flock is achievable and represents good welfare practice. Achieving this requires systematic prevention, daily checking, and prompt treatment within three days of identifying lameness.

What You Can Do

Implement a flock lameness target of less than 2% prevalence
Check sheep daily and treat lame animals within three days
Vaccinate against foot rot in problem flocks
Maintain regular footbathing with zinc sulfate solution
Cull chronically lame sheep that do not respond to treatment
Work with your vet to develop a written lameness action plan