Footrot is one of the most common and painful welfare problems in sheep, significantly reducible through vaccination, biosecurity, and prompt treatment.
Sheep with severe footrot experience intense pain causing reluctance to move, kneeling to graze, and significant weight loss. Untreated footrot causes progressive tissue destruction extending to tendons and joints. The chronic nature of footrot in poorly managed flocks means many sheep suffer for extended periods before treatment. Welfare-responsible footrot management prioritises prevention through vaccination, biosecurity to exclude infected animals, and prompt treatment of affected individuals. Eradication programmes have demonstrated that footrot-free status is achievable and transformative for flock welfare.