Lameness in sheep and goats is a significant welfare and productivity concern in small ruminant farming, requiring effective diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures. This review addresses the major infectious and non-infectious causes of lameness in these species, with a focus on footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) in sheep, which also affects goats to varying degrees. The five-point plan developed for footrot management in sheep—encompassing early treatment, culling of chronic cases, quarantine, prevention of spread, and limited vaccination—is presented as a model for lameness management, though its application in goats remains limited by a lack of specific data. In sheep, footrot remains the predominant cause of lameness, with systemic antibiotic treatment and avoidance of routine foot trimming shown to be effective. Control measures such as biosecurity and biocontainment have markedly reduced lameness prevalence in sheep, although adherence varies across farms. In goats, particularly housed dairy goats, hoof lameness is prevalent, but current knowledge is insufficient to support optimal treatment and prevention strategies. The review emphasises the need for tailored lameness management plans based on species-specific needs and environmental factors, highlighting areas for further research in goats to establish effective control protocols.
Richard Laven (Wed,) studied this question.
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