04/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2024 13:49
See event listings and more articles in this edition of Agri-News: April 15, 2024 issue
"Domestic sheep and goats can commonly carry a bacterium called Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) that can cause pneumonia and large-scale population die-offs of bighorn sheep following close contact with an infected animal," explains Anne Hubbs, senior wildlife biologist with the Alberta government.
Signs of the disease in bighorns include coughing, nasal discharge, weight loss and in many cases, death. Unlike their wild counterparts, many domestic animals carrying M. ovi show no visible signs of the disease.
"There are no vaccines or treatments for wild sheep (or mountain goats who are also susceptible to the disease), so maintaining physical separation from domestic sheep and goats is very important."
Domestic sheep and goat use on crown lands near bighorn sheep ranges is already prohibited (e.g., for industry) or strongly discouraged. Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) has identified a Disease Surveillance Zone that extends 50 km east from these ranges, wherein concentrated efforts to understand M. ovi in both wild and domestic sheep/goat species are underway.
AEPA, in collaboration with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, has also initiated a voluntary testing and fencing (mitigation) program for domestic sheep and goat producers in these areas. Funding is available from the government through a Minister's Special License grant to cover producers' costs related to these activities.
Albertans are asked to help protect our bighorn sheep by:
Questions about the testing and fencing program for domestic sheep and goat producers? Please contact your local veterinarian.
For more information, see:
Connect with Dr. Heather Van Esch, surveillance veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for more information:
Phone: 403-948-8536
Email: [email protected]