Sheep Footrot Welfare and Lameness Management

Footrot is one of the most common and painful conditions in UK sheep, causing chronic lameness in millions of animals and representing a major but often under-addressed welfare challenge.

Key Facts

Lameness affects around 3% of UK sheep at any one time - around 750,000 animals
Footrot is caused by the bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus in wet conditions
Affected sheep experience pain sufficient to cause altered gait and reduced grazing
Prompt antibiotic treatment and foot trimming significantly improves outcomes
Prevention through zinc sulphate footbathing and drier pasture management is effective
The UK '5 Point Plan' for sheep lameness has improved industry practices

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness is a chronic welfare problem that persists partly due to under-recognition and delayed treatment. Lame sheep reduce grazing, lose body condition, and may be unable to compete for food. Pain responses in sheep include changes in posture, reduced activity, and facial grimacing as measured by the Sheep Pain Facial Action Unit system. The 5 Point Plan advocates treatment within 3 days of identification, but compliance varies. Regular flock inspection and prompt treatment are the most direct welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Support the AHDB Sheep Lameness Control Plan adoption on UK farms
Advocate for lameness monitoring as a mandatory welfare outcome measure
Choose lamb from farms with high welfare assurance standards
Back sheep pain research and development of better diagnostic tools
Encourage farmers to implement footbath protocols and dry pasture management