The GB dairy cow lameness manifesto: a collaborative industry initiative to reduce lameness prevalence in British dairy herds

Lameness remains the highest priority endemic health condition affecting British dairy cattle, with significant implications for animal welfare, farm economics and environmental sustainability. The GB Dairy Cow Lameness Manifesto, launched in January 2025 under the direction of the Dairy Cow Mobility Steering Group, represents a coordinated industry-wide commitment to reduce lameness prevalence to below 5% in at least 95% of British dairy herds by 2044. This article examines the evidence base supporting the Manifesto, its strategic framework comprising four key strategies and 21 actions, and the critical role of veterinary practitioners in achieving these objectives. Current national lameness prevalence estimates of approximately 30% demonstrate the scale of the challenge, whilst successful farm-level interventions prove that substantial reductions are achievable. The Manifesto provides a structured approach for multi-stakeholder collaboration, incorporating farm-specific preventive planning, knowledge transfer and incentivisation mechanisms. Veterinary practices are positioned as key facilitators through the delivery of evidence-based programmes such as the Healthy Feet Programme, requiring investment in training Mobility Mentors and Register of Mobility Scorers personnel.