Sheep veterinarians and the welfare of sheep: No simple matter

Animal welfare is about what animals experience but it has trade and political aspects. Veterinarians and animal scientists use a range of measurements to assess welfare. Sheep veterinarians have a range of roles including disease diagnosis and prevention but they may also act as consultants on production and may advise on legal issues that pertain to animal welfare. The criteria for animal welfare as defined by the European Welfare Quality Project (good housing, nutrition, health and opportunities to behave appropriately) reflect veterinary practice. Sheep veterinarians in different countries work with farmers who are under widely different economic and social pressures. Farmers use different farm management practices influenced by flock size and economics. There may be an ideal sheep farming system but veterinarians have to work within the economic constraints of their clients.