Climate change is altering the welfare challenges faced by UK sheep through shifts in parasite burdens, extreme weather events, and pasture quality changes.
Warming temperatures are enabling the spread of Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking roundworm that was previously limited to southern England. Anthelmintic resistance is widespread, reducing treatment options. Climate-driven pasture changes affect nutritional quality for both ewes and growing lambs. Adaptive parasite management and body condition monitoring are essential welfare responses.