Opportunities for sheep and goat producers

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) is a bacterium commonly found in domestic sheep and goats across North America. While it usually causes mild illness in domestic animals, it can lead to fatal pneumonia in bighorn sheep. Preventing direct contact between domestic and wild sheep is the most effective way to stop disease transmission.

“Are you a sheep or goat producer within 50 km of bighorn sheep range? You may qualify for free fencing materials and installation as well as free M. ovi testing of your flock/herd through a joint initiative from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and Environment and Protected Areas (EPA),” says Dr. Anne Hubbs, provincial wildlife science specialist with the Alberta government.

The M. ovi program offers free:

• testing to understand how common M. ovi is in domestic flocks and herds near bighorn populations
• fencing for producers in high-risk areas to help prevent contact with wild sheep

“Participation is voluntary, confidential, and there are no consequences for positive results. M. ovi is not a reportable or notifiable disease in Alberta. Producers gain valuable insight into flock or herd health while contributing to bighorn sheep conservation. To take part in the program, contact your veterinarian,” says Hubbs.

Producers are invited to share their views on the M. ovi program. Complete a short survey to enter a draw for a $75 UFA coupon. The survey closes February 2, 2026.

Research to reduce disease risk

Since 2022, EPA has radio-collared 86 male bighorn sheep in southwestern Alberta to better understand their movements. Rams often travel 30 to 50 km or more, especially during the fall mating season, increasing the chance of contact with domestic animals.

This work has informed policy to help reduce disease transmission risks by managing bighorn sheep near domestics. This winter, EPA will collar 40 female bighorns south of Highway 1 to further monitor herd health and movement patterns. Combined with citizen science and aerial surveys, these efforts support healthy bighorn populations across the province. This research is part of a broad collaborative effort involving EPA, the University of Alberta, the Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta (WSFAB), and National Parks. Funding has been provided by the Minister's Special Licence grant and WSFAB.

How you can help

To help with reducing disease risk, Hubbs says Albertans are asked to report bighorn sheep:

• outside their normal range to an EPA wildlife biologist, by calling 310-0000 or emailing [email protected]
• within 5 km of domestic sheep or goats, or any sick bighorn sheep, by calling the Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800

For more information, see:

• Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in domestic sheep and goats fact sheet for producers
• Unseen Threat: How Domestic Sheep Transmit Disease to Wild Sheep Populations

Contact

Connect with Dr. Anne Hubbs at [email protected] or Dr. Heather Van Esch, provincial surveillance veterinarian, at [email protected], for more information.

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