The five point plan for lameness in sheep

Find out how the five-point plan can help to reduce the number of new clinical cases of lameness.

 

Website
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/lameness-in-sheep-the-five-point-plan

What is the five-point plan?

The five-point management plan provides a clear strategy to control lameness on farm and is recommended where footrot, scald, and/or CODD, have been diagnosed as the cause of lameness.  

By implementing all five points in the plan together, farmers can tackle the disease from all angles and give their flock the best chance of avoiding lameness problems. 

What are the main benefits of using the five-point plan?

Successfully implementing the plan should result in three outcomes for the flock: 

  • Increased resilience to the diseases that cause lameness  
  • Reduced disease challenge on farm  
  • Improved immunity via vaccination 

Steps 1 and 2: cull and quarantine

Mark sheep to cull and quarantine lame sheep. You’ll find information on identifying repeat offenders and quarantining to reduce the spread of disease. 

The five-point plan: cull and quarantine

Step 3: treat

Disease spreads quickly, so it’s important to treat even mildly lame sheep as soon as possible. We’ve got plenty of advice on treatment methods, including using foot sprays to antibiotic injections. 

Treating lameness cases in sheep

Step 4: avoid

Read about how to avoid spreading infection during handling, gathering and when the sheep are out in the field. You’ll also find information on housing, handling and breeding methods to help reduce the spread of infection. 

Avoiding the spread of diseases that cause lameness

Step 5: vaccinate

Decide with your vet if and when, to vaccinate. Our advice takes you through the options and timings.

Using vaccinations to treat lameness

Useful links

Reducing lameness in sheep

Diseases that cause lameness in sheep

 

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AHDB

We deliver transformational projects to drive productivity and boost farming and supply chain businesses. We want the industry to thrive in a rapidly changing world and continue to produce high quality food, maintain our beautiful landscape and leave a legacy for generations to come. 

Livestock

The livestock industry is an integral part of the agricultural sector, encompassing various aspects of animal husbandry and production. It plays an important role in global food security and supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.

Sheep

Sheep were one of the first farmed animals, reared for thousands of years for meat and milk.

Lameness

  Lameness is a significant health issue affecting farmed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. It refers to an abnormal gait or difficulty in walking, and it can have various causes, leading to pain and discomfort for the animals.

Animal Health

Animal health is integral to the sustainability, profitability, and ethical considerations of livestock farming. It involves a combination of preventative measures, good management practices, and veterinary care to ensure that animals are raised in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible while prioritizing their well-being and public health.