Farm Animal Welfare: Sheep Lameness Prevention

Lameness is one of the most prevalent and painful conditions in British sheep flocks. Prevention and prompt treatment are the most effective welfare interventions.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 10-15% of British sheep at any given time
Footrot (Dichelobacter nodosus) and CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis) are the primary causes
Chronic lameness causes severe pain, weight loss, and reduced reproductive performance
The Five Point Lameness Plan provides an evidence-based approach to flock lameness control
Annual vaccination against footrot is cost-effective and significantly reduces lameness prevalence
Early treatment (within 3 days of onset) achieves 95% recovery rates; delayed treatment drops this to under 50%

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness welfare is one of the most evidence-clear welfare challenges in British agriculture. A lame sheep experiences genuine, chronic pain that affects all aspects of its welfare - it cannot graze effectively, maintain body condition, or engage in normal social behaviour. Despite this, many sheep farmers tolerate higher lameness rates than are necessary because of the labour involved in daily flock observation and prompt treatment. The five-point lameness plan provides a framework that, if implemented, can reduce flock lameness below 2% - a transformative welfare improvement. The barrier is farmer motivation, time, and knowledge. Veterinary-led lameness workshops and farmer networks that share best practice are the most effective delivery mechanisms.

What You Can Do

Support the AHDB's Five Point Lameness Plan resources for sheep farmers
Choose lamb from farms with recorded lameness monitoring and targets
Advocate for lameness to be included as a welfare indicator in national sheep monitoring programmes
Donate to veterinary charities providing sheep lameness education to farmers
Support sheep welfare research at universities developing better diagnostics and treatments