Bighorn Sheep Disease

We’ve collaborated with neighboring states and Washington State University to conduct a long-term study of bighorn sheep infection and exposure to pneumonia in the Hells Canyon area of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.  

We’ve conducted experimental removals of bighorn sheep infected with Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (commonly referred to as Movi) in an effort to clear pneumonia infection from the population and have monitored disease exposure and lamb survival post-removal.  

We’ve also worked with management staff on programs designed to reduce the risk of future disease events in this bighorn sheep population and in others around the state.