Independent report

FAWC opinion on sheep lameness

Farm Animal Welfare Committee advice to government about the extent of lameness experienced by sheep in Great Britain, the impact on their welfare and practical solutions.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 28 March 2011

Documents

FAWC opinion on sheep lameness

PDF, 188 KB, 16 pages

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Details

This opinion reviews the evidence of welfare impact due to sheep lameness and considers means of prevention, control and treatment of the common types of lameness in sheep.

Footrot, including digital dermatitis, is responsible for 90% of lameness in British sheep and is present in 97% of flocks. For most causes of foot lameness there are effective treatments that, if applied promptly, can reduce the prevalence in a flock to less than 2%. Shepherds must ensure that they are able to recognise the various causes of lameness and treat all lame sheep promptly.

You can read more about the work of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee.

Published 28 March 2011