Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Footrot Control and Welfare

Footrot is a highly contagious and painful sheep disease that causes significant lameness, with integrated control programmes offering the prospect of eradication in some flocks.

Key Facts

Footrot is caused by Dichelobacter nodosus transmitted through contaminated pasture
Clinical signs include severe lameness with characteristic foul-smelling foot separation
Eradication programmes combining treatment, culling of carriers, and biosecurity have succeeded
Zinc sulphate footbathing provides prevention when managed correctly
Antibiotic treatment of individual cases shortens disease duration and welfare impact

Welfare Considerations

Footrot causes severe lameness with intense pain affecting mobility, feeding, and social behaviour. Eradication programmes offer the prospect of eliminating this cause of suffering entirely in closed flocks, making them a high-value welfare investment beyond individual treatment.

What You Can Do

Implement a footrot eradication or control programme with your vet's guidance
Establish strict biosecurity for all incoming sheep to prevent footrot introduction
Treat lame sheep promptly and correctly to reduce duration of suffering