Sheep lameness is widespread in UK flocks and causes significant chronic pain, but evidence-based management using the SCOPS Five-Point Plan significantly reduces prevalence.
Sheep lameness causes chronic pain that impairs mobility, feeding access, and social participation. The welfare problem is compounded by the stoic nature of sheep and the difficulty of individually monitoring large flocks. The SCOPS Five-Point Plan has transformed lameness management for engaged farmers, with flocks achieving prevalence below 1% demonstrating what targeted management can achieve. The challenge is driving adoption across all flocks, including those where lameness is seen as inevitable rather than manageable. Lameness prevalence monitoring through regular mobility scoring is the essential first step for any flock improvement programme.