Footrot (caused by Dichelobacter nodosus) is one of the most common causes of sheep lameness and causes significant chronic pain, with eradication possible on individual farms.
Footrot causes chronic lameness - an ongoing welfare problem that affected sheep bear through reduced grazing, difficulty keeping up with the flock and constant foot pain. The good news is that footrot is eminently controllable and even eradicable with systematic management. Farms that achieve eradication provide their sheep with freedom from one of the most prevalent sources of pain in the species.