Bighorn Sheep Movement Ecology & Disease Risk
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) are at risk from pneumonia-causing pathogens in domestic small ruminants (i.e., sheep and goats). One pathogen, Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, is highly linked to outbreaks of respiratory disease resulting in the death of bighorn sheep. Using data from over 100 male and female radio-collared bighorn sheep in Alberta, patterns of home range, movement and connectivity of bighorn sheep will be identified. These patterns will then be compared to locations of domestic small ruminant production to identify points of M. ovipneumoniae risk. Models to understand a potential outbreak event in bighorn sheep due to contact with domestic small ruminants will also be developed. This knowledge will inform wildlife management decisions and domestic livestock management in the area to prevent disease spread. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Alberta, the Government of Alberta, Parks Canada, and Alberta Conservation Association, the Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta and Alberta Fish & Game Association and the Safari Club International – Northern Alberta Chapter. I have recently joined this project, but it began in 2022.
Contact information:
Email: gmpower@ualberta.ca