Farm Animals

Sheep Lameness Management

Lameness is a major welfare problem in sheep; early detection and treatment, particularly for footrot and CODD, reduces chronic suffering.

Key Facts

Lameness affects 3-8% of UK sheep flocks at any given time
Footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) are leading causes
Untreated lameness causes chronic pain and predisposes to secondary problems
Early treatment with antibiotics and footbath reduces spread in flocks
Breeding for foot conformation improves genetic resistance to lameness

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness is among the most significant and preventable welfare problems in the UK livestock sector, causing chronic pain that impairs feeding, social behaviour, and reproductive performance. The tendency of sheep to mask pain behaviour means lameness is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Proactive monitoring, early treatment, and breeding for resistance create welfare-positive herds.

What You Can Do

Support sheep welfare campaigns promoting lameness monitoring
Choose lamb and wool from farms with certified lameness management programmes
Advocate for lameness to be included in sheep welfare auditing frameworks
Support research into CODD treatment and prevention
Engage with your local farming community about lameness best practice