Sheep Footrot and Digital Dermatitis Welfare

Footrot and digital dermatitis are painful foot diseases in sheep that cause significant lameness and are among the most prevalent welfare problems in UK flocks.

Key Facts

Footrot is caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus and is highly contagious between sheep
Digital dermatitis (strawberry foot disease) is a separate condition increasingly common in UK sheep
Lame sheep lose body condition, have reduced reproductive performance and suffer chronic pain
The Five Point Plan for sheep lameness management has been developed by AHDB and vets
Prompt treatment within three days of first signs significantly reduces suffering and spread
Vaccination against footrot is available and reduces disease burden in affected flocks

Welfare Considerations

Foot lameness is one of the most significant welfare challenges in UK sheep farming, affecting millions of animals. Both footrot and digital dermatitis cause significant pain that compromises feeding, social behaviour and overall welfare. The key welfare problem is delayed treatment - many farmers do not identify lameness early or treat promptly. The Five Point Plan (avoid, vaccinate, treat, cull, assess) provides an evidence-based framework. Scoring flocks regularly for lameness and treating within 3 days of first signs dramatically reduces both animal suffering and economic losses.

What You Can Do

Support AHDB sheep lameness improvement programmes and the Five Point Plan
Advocate for mandatory lameness score recording in sheep flocks seeking welfare assurance
Encourage farmers to vaccinate against footrot where disease is present
Support veterinary practice advisors helping farmers improve lameness detection and treatment
Choose British lamb from farms with welfare assurance schemes that include foot health requirements