Sheep Lameness Welfare and Prevention

Lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in UK sheep flocks, with footrot and CODD being the major causes.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 3 million sheep in the UK at any one time
Footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is the most common cause
Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD) is an emerging and severe lameness cause
Lame sheep lose body condition rapidly and have reduced lamb output
The Five-Point Lameness Plan provides a structured management framework

Welfare Considerations

Lameness in sheep causes chronic and acute pain. Lame sheep reduce movement, stop grazing normally, and lose weight rapidly. Delayed treatment allows infection to progress and increases welfare impact. Footbathing, vaccination against footrot, and prompt treatment of individual cases are all welfare-positive interventions. CODD requires antibiotic treatment and rigorous biosecurity. The welfare burden of lameness in sheep flocks is considered one of the highest-priority concerns in UK livestock welfare.

What You Can Do

Support lamb and mutton from farms with documented lameness monitoring
Advocate for lower acceptable lameness prevalence thresholds in farm assurance
Learn to recognize lame sheep and report concerns to relevant authorities
Back funding for sheep lameness research and farmer training programs