Lameness is the most significant welfare problem in UK sheep flocks, with footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis the leading causes.
Sheep lameness causes chronic severe pain that profoundly impairs natural behaviour — lame sheep struggle to graze, move, and maintain condition. Research demonstrates that many sheep with lameness are treated late or not at all, either because individual monitoring is inadequate or treatment is deprioritised. The three-day rule — treating all lame sheep within three days of detection — is evidence-based and reduces pain duration substantially. Footbathing, vaccination, and quarantine of incoming stock prevent flock spread.