Farm Animals

Sheep Lameness Scoring and Mobility Monitoring on Farms

Lameness is one of the most painful and prevalent conditions in sheep. Systematic mobility scoring and proactive treatment significantly reduce sheep suffering on farm.

Key Facts

Up to 10% of sheep are lame at any given time on affected UK farms
Footrot (Dichelobacter nodosus) and scald (Fusobacterium necrophorum) are the primary causes
Untreated lameness becomes chronic, causing severe pain and welfare deterioration
Mobility scoring systems allow systematic identification and treatment prioritisation
Footbathing with zinc sulphate prevents scald and reduces footrot incidence
The EBLEX five-point mobility scoring system is widely used in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness causes severe chronic pain that reduces grazing, social engagement, and reproductive success. The stoic nature of sheep means lameness is often more severe than it appears. Systematic flock mobility scoring identifies affected animals early when treatment is most effective. Prompt antibiotic treatment, footbathing, and structural hoof management are welfare-essential practices for all sheep producers.

What You Can Do

Support farms demonstrating low flock lameness prevalence through welfare assurance
Advocate for lameness monitoring to be a mandatory welfare indicator in sheep farm assurance
Learn mobility scoring if you keep or work with sheep