British Cattle Veterinary Association

Lameness is one of the most important endemic diseases present in the UK in terms of both animal welfare and economic loss. Using values from the peer-reviewed literature and 'best-practice' treatment principles the cost of individual lesions were found to be; Sole Ulcer - £518.73, White Line Disease - £300.05, Digital Dermatitis - £75.57, Interdigital Lameness - £154.31. In the average case of lameness 82% of the costs were due to reduced fertility and yield with vet costs only contributing 1%. The cost of lameness to the typical UK herd was found to be £7,499.30/annum or 0.97ppl, the 'average' case of lameness on the typical farm costing £323.47 and the cost to the industry £127,822,885/annum.