Bighorn Sheep M.ovi Field Day – Part 2

WLFN’s Natural Resources Department will once again be working alongside the Ministry of Water, Lands and Natural Resource Stewardship to support fieldwork testing bighorn sheep for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (m.ovi).

What is m.ovi?
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (m.ovi) is a deadly respiratory disease affecting bighorn sheep. It spreads primarily from domestic sheep to wild sheep and can trigger severe pneumonia outbreaks that cause large die-offs and long-term declines in herds. Lamb survival can remain low for many years after an outbreak, making recovery very difficult. Testing helps identify whether herds have been exposed so wildlife managers and Nations can take steps to protect and restore sheep populations.
WLFN has been actively involved in this work to ensure our stewardship responsibilities are upheld and that we are directly involved in protecting wildlife within our territory.

This next phase of fieldwork will involve further testing and examination of an infected sheep to better understand the impacts of m.ovi on the herd. The animal will be professionally butchered, and meat from the sheep will be available to community members who wish to take some home.

Members who wish to attend must register in advance with:
Chantelle Rolph, Natural Resources Administrator
Chantelle.Rolph@wlfn.ca
250-296-3507 ext. 316

Please note: This field trip takes place on a working site where sheep may be butchered as part of the testing process. Participants may see deceased animals; those who may find this uncomfortable may wish not to attend.