BIGHORN SHEEP DISEASE SURVEILLANCE
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is a respiratory disease commonly carried by healthy-appearing domestic sheep and goats. When an infected domestic encounters a bighorn sheep, pneumonia die-offs may occur, killing 10-100% of the bighorn herd and causing low lamb survival rates for several years thereafter.
Free Testing and Fencing Programs
The Government of Alberta has a free, voluntary testing program for domestic sheep and goats in high-risk areas. Testing and related veterinarian costs are paid by the government for qualified producers. To see if you may qualify, visit https://open.alberta.ca/publications/mycoplasma-ovipneumoniae-in-domestic-sheep-and-goats-significance-to-and-roll-of-alberta-producers.
Producers may also qualify for funding for fencing and other on-the-ground preventative measures.
Reporting
Report immediately to the Report A Poacher (RAP) Hotline 1-800-642-3800:
- any bighorn sheep present within 5 km of domestic sheep and goats
- any dead or sick bighorn sheep (for example, coughing, nasal discharge/runny nose)
- any stray domestic sheep or goats in high-risk areas
Report Bighorn Sheep Wandering Outside Sheep Areas to:
Government wildlife biologist
1-310-0000
Collaborators
Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta
Alberta Lamb Producers
Alberta Goat Association
Funding
Minister Special License Grants
Additional Resources
Sheep and goat producers may be eligible for the M. ovi Testing Program
Eligible producers have access to the Fencing Program
High-risk area and sheep areas map south
Report risky situations
Photo Credit: Mike Grue EPA