Lameness management in sheep is crucial for maintaining flock health and productivity. Lameness not only affects the welfare of the animals but also leads to reduced weight gain, poor lambing percentages, and decreased overall performance. To effectively manage lameness, the industry often follows the “Five-Point Plan,” which is a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing and preventing lameness.
The plan includes:
- Culling of sheep with chronic lameness to prevent the spread of infection,
- Foot trimming to address any hoof overgrowth or damage,
- Use of footbaths containing disinfectants or zinc sulphate to control footrot and other infections,
- Vaccination to prevent footrot and other infectious causes of lameness, and
- Improved management practices, including better housing, pasture rotation, and nutritional support to reduce stress. By following this plan, sheep farmers can significantly reduce lameness, improve animal welfare, and enhance productivity.
We can help you identify the root causes of lameness and implement the five point plan.
Footvax : footrot is responsible for 43% of lameness cases. Footvax is a bi-annual vaccination, that is started with a primary course of two vaccinations 4-6 weeks apart. It is advised to give it one month before the at risk periods, in NI, these are usually October to December and March to May. Vaccinations should not be given to ewes 4 weeks either side of lambing, rams within the 6 weeks pre tupping or to any animal within 6-8 weeks of shearing.
