Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Footrot Welfare Management Advanced

Footrot causes severe lameness in sheep with significant welfare implications, requiring integrated prevention and treatment approaches.

Key Facts

Footrot causes 90%+ of lameness in sheep in wet climates
The bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus is the primary pathogen
Five-point lameness plan reduces prevalence through prompt treatment and prevention
Antibiotic footbathing is effective but contributes to antimicrobial resistance concerns
Breeding for resistance and vaccination are long-term preventive tools

Welfare Considerations

Lame sheep experience chronic pain that reduces feeding, social behavior, and productivity. Footrot is preventable with good management, yet remains endemic on many farms. Reducing lameness is one of the most impactful welfare interventions in sheep farming.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farm assurance schemes requiring lameness monitoring
Advocate for the Five-Point Lameness Plan implementation across the industry
Choose lamb and wool from farms with documented lameness management programs