Ovine lameness in Ireland: a survey-based investigation of farmer reported prevalence, recognition, and treatment of lameness conditions

Interdigital dermatitis (ID) posed the greatest burden to Irish farmers, with a median farm prevalence of 10.0%, while footrot affected 90.2% of flocks (median 4.0%). Contagious ovine digital dermatitis, previously considered rare, was reported in 47% of flocks (median 3%). Farmers' ability to correctly identify lesions varied from 79.9% for ID to 62.4% for CODD. Therapeutic foot-trimming, remain widely used within Irish flocks and was reported by 52.9% of respondents for the treatment of FR.