Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Movi) has been a subject of increasing concern in wildlife biology. The bacterium is known to cause respiratory disease in bighorn sheep populations. Recent studies have shown that Movi can affect species beyond the traditionally assumed host range, including members of the subfamily Capreolinae such as moose and caribou.
During the project, 5 ewes were captured, collared and nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from each captured ewe. Initial results from the study revealed that three of the five ewes tested negative for Movi.
The ongoing research on Movi in bighorn sheep populations is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. By understanding the prevalence and transmission patterns of this pathogen, wildlife managers can implement targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations. The radio collars fitted on the captured ewes will provide valuable long-term data on their movements and potential interactions with other herds, further informing our understanding of disease dynamics in wild populations.
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