Sheep Lameness Five-Point Scoring

The Five-Point Lameness Scoring System provides farmers with a practical tool to assess and manage ovine lameness, one of the most significant welfare problems in sheep farming.

Key Facts

Lameness affects approximately 10% of the UK sheep flock at any one time
Footrot and shelly hoof are the most common causes of lameness in UK sheep
Early treatment of lame sheep within 3 days of detection significantly improves welfare and recovery outcomes
The Five-Point Plan developed by EBLEX (now AHDB) provides a structured approach to flock lameness management
Lame sheep show reduced grazing time, lower body condition, and poorer reproductive performance

Welfare Considerations

The Five-Point Scoring System transforms lameness management from reactive individual treatment to proactive flock health planning. Key elements include: recording lameness incidence; treating lame sheep promptly; avoiding foot-bathing as the primary treatment; vaccinating for footrot where appropriate; and culling chronically lame sheep. The emphasis on prompt treatment - within 3 days - is particularly important for welfare because delayed treatment allows pain to persist and infection to progress. Farms that adopt systematic lameness management show significant reductions in both lameness prevalence and individual animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for adoption of the Five-Point Lameness Plan in all sheep farming operations
Support sheep welfare certification that requires lameness monitoring and recording
Choose lamb products from farms with documented low lameness rates where visible in certification
Encourage sheep farmers to attend lameness training and adopt evidence-based management