Bighorn Sheep at Risk: Deadly Bacteria Threat from Domestic Livestock

Bighorn sheep, iconic symbols of the wild, face a serious threat from a bacterium commonly found in domestic sheep and goats. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) can trigger lethal pneumonia outbreaks in bighorn sheep populations after contact with infected livestock, explains Anne Hubbs, senior wildlife biologist with the Alberta government.

While infected domestic animals often show no symptoms, bighorn sheep may exhibit coughing, nasal discharge, weight loss, and tragically, death. Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments for wild sheep or mountain goats, who are also vulnerable to the disease.

“Maintaining physical separation from domestic sheep and goats is very important,” emphasizes Hubbs.

To protect bighorn populations, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has strict restrictions on domestic livestock use near bighorn ranges. A Disease Surveillance Zone extends 50 km east from these ranges, where intensive monitoring of the bacteria in both wild and domestic animals is underway.

The government has also launched a voluntary testing and fencing mitigation program for domestic sheep and goat producers in the affected zones, with funding provided to cover costs.