Sheep Lameness: Causes and Treatment

Lameness is one of the most prevalent and costly welfare problems in UK sheep, with footrot, shelly hoof and CODD being the major causes.

Key Facts

Lameness affects approximately 3-10% of UK sheep at any one time, with over 80% of flocks affected annually
Footrot (Dichelobacter nodosus) is the most common cause of lameness, causing separation and decomposition of the hoof horn
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an increasingly prevalent cause of severe lameness
The Five Point Plan for sheep lameness provides an evidence-based framework for reducing lameness below 2%
Treating lame sheep within 3 days of onset reduces recovery time and prevents chronic lameness

Welfare Considerations

Lameness causes significant, chronic pain in affected sheep. A lame sheep spends less time grazing, loses condition, has reduced reproductive performance and may be rejected by its lambs. The sheer scale of the lameness problem in UK sheep farming - affecting tens of millions of sheep annually - makes it one of the most significant welfare challenges in UK animal agriculture. The Five Point Plan demonstrates that lameness can be dramatically reduced through systematic herd management and prompt treatment.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory lameness recording and reporting targets in all sheep assurance schemes
Support training programmes that help shepherds implement the Five Point Plan effectively
Choose lamb products from producers with documented lameness management programmes
Support research into effective footrot vaccines and treatment protocols
Encourage sheep farmers to set and work toward a lameness target below 2% of the flock