The project aims to transform how lameness is assessed and treated on farms
CVS Farm Vets Launches Innovative Sheep Lameness Project To Support UK Farmers
11 hours ago 
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CVS Farm Vets has launched a pioneering new Sheep Lameness initiative to help UK sheep farmers manage one of the most persistent and costly health challenges in their flocks.
The Sheep Lameness Project, developed by CVS Farm Vets’ Quality Improvement leads, aims to transform how lameness is assessed and treated on farms.
Foot rot is a bacterial infection that originates from the soil and spreads easily between sheep, estimated to affected around 10% of sheep nationally. Traditionally, farmers have relied on antibiotics to treat the condition, often prescribed remotely.
However, with increasing awareness of antimicrobial resistance and the need for more targeted, preventative care, CVS Farm Vets is introducing a new approach that prioritises on-farm assessment and tailored management plans. The project’s goal is to reduce the incidence of foot rot to just 5% of the flock. This reflects other national campaigns to improve welfare.
To achieve this, CVS Farm Vets will implement a structured Five Point Lameness Plan, carried out during scheduled farm visits. When a farmer contacts their local CVS farm practice about lameness concerns, instead of prescribing antibiotics over the phone, they will be encouraged to book in a farm visit to investigate the root causes and assess the overall health and management of the flock.
The Five Point Lameness Plan is an existing control strategy developed by MSD Animal Health. MSD have also been instrumental in support the project via CPD for farm vets and other team members within CVS Farm practices. It uses a comprehensive questionnaire conducted by the vet alongside the farmer. This evaluates pasture conditions, flock history, quarantine protocols, treatment practices, and includes specific laboratory tests to identify the cause of lameness.
Based on this information, CVS Farm Vets will create a tailored action plan focused on long-term flock management and disease control.
This face-to-face approach allows for a deeper understanding of the disease dynamics on each farm and supports more effective decision-making. Vets will advise on quarantining affected sheep, culling chronic carriers, and selecting suitable breeding replacements. This strategy not only improves animal welfare and productivity but also reduces reliance on antibiotics.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled three to six months after the initial assessment to monitor progress and evaluate whether the incidence of lameness has improved. The benefits to farmers are clear: fewer lame sheep, increased productivity, reduced antibiotic costs, and stronger relationships with their veterinary teams.
CVS Farm Vets colleagues are receiving training to deliver the assessments through CPD days sponsored by MSD, alongside ongoing Lameness Reduction Advisor training. This ensures consistency and quality across all participating practices and supports the wider goal of improving clinical care across the CVS Farm division.
Laura Barlow, vet at CVS Farm Vets’ Castle Farm Vets branch and programme lead, commented: “This project is a game-changer for how we approach sheep lameness. By shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive assessment and management, we’re helping farmers take control of the problem. It’s about improving welfare, reducing antibiotic use, and strengthening the vet-farmer relationship. We’re proud to be leading the way in delivering better care for sheep and better outcomes for farmers.”
CVS Farm division has over 120 vets in 15 modern farm specific practices nationwide. Its practices offer a comprehensive range of services, with a focus on helping our clients prevent disease and maximise efficiency of production on their farms. For more information please visit: Farm Practices | CVS Group (cvsukltd.co.uk) .
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