Sheep Lameness: Causes and Prevention

Lameness is one of the most prevalent and economically significant welfare problems in sheep farming globally, causing substantial unnecessary suffering.

Key Facts

Footrot, caused by Dichelobacter nodosus, is the most common cause of sheep lameness in the UK and Australia
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an emerging and highly virulent cause of severe lameness
An estimated 3 million sheep are lame on any given day in the UK — a significant proportion of the national flock
Early treatment (within 3 days of lameness onset) dramatically improves cure rates and reduces suffering duration
Five-point lameness plans including prompt treatment, isolation of lame sheep, and flock vaccination reduce incidence

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness represents one of the most preventable large-scale welfare failures in livestock farming. Lame sheep experience persistent pain that impairs feeding, movement, and body condition. The 3-day rule — treat within 3 days for best outcomes — is well established but implementation is inconsistent. Farmers who identify and treat lameness promptly achieve far better welfare outcomes than those who defer treatment or accept lameness as unavoidable.

What You Can Do

Implement a proactive lameness monitoring program with regular flock observations scored against a standard scale
Treat lame sheep within 3 days of lameness onset using appropriate antibiotics prescribed by your vet
Consult your vet about footrot vaccination programs for flocks with persistent high lameness prevalence
Review footbathing protocols and track design to reduce the environmental factors that facilitate lameness transmission