Sheep Welfare: Lameness Scoring and Treatment Protocols

Overview of sheep lameness scoring and evidence-based treatment protocols for welfare improvement.

Key Facts

AHDB Healthy Feet Programme provides validated sheep lameness scoring tools
Five-point locomotion scoring enables systematic lameness monitoring
Footrot is the most common cause of sheep lameness with high welfare impact
Treatment within 3 days of lameness onset significantly improves welfare and recovery
Target lameness prevalence below 2% is an achievable welfare benchmark

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness welfare requires systematic monitoring through validated locomotion scoring combined with prompt, appropriate treatment. The AHDB Five Point Plan provides evidence-based protocols connecting scoring to treatment decisions. Footrot, the leading cause, responds well to prompt antibiotic treatment. Setting welfare benchmarks including target lameness prevalence below 2% drives continuous improvement. Training farmers in lameness recognition and treatment is a high-impact welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support farmer training in sheep lameness scoring and treatment protocols
Advocate for lameness prevalence benchmarks in sheep welfare assurance
Follow AHDB Healthy Feet Programme for evidence-based lameness guidance