Hoof health in focus: An underestimated weakness in sheep farming

Lameness in sheep – often caused by hoof diseases such as foot rot – is not only an animal welfare problem but also an economic risk factor. In many Austrian sheep farms, systematically collected data on the frequency and severity of these diseases is still lacking. In particular, little is known about the correlations with breed, age, or management factors. This often deprives livestock farmers of an effective tool for preventing and controlling these diseases. This is precisely where the new research project "KlauenSchaf" (Hoof Sheep) comes in.

Practice meets research: Scientifically assessing hoof health

A large-scale research project is underway at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, comprehensively investigating hoof health on sheep farms in Styria. In cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, sheep on 29 selected farms are being recorded and assessed for lameness and hoof diseases.

The study focuses on the prevalence and severity of certain hoof diseases, particularly foot rot. To this end, health status, husbandry practices, breed, age, and management and biosecurity measures are recorded using a questionnaire. In addition, each animal undergoes an individual examination and lameness is assessed using a standardized scoring system.

The aim is to identify influencing factors and typical disease patterns in order to derive recommendations for practice and advice – for healthier hooves, better animal welfare standards and greater profitability.

Project partner: Vetmeduni Vienna, Clinical Centre for Ruminant and Camelid Medicine