Pneumonia in Bighorn Sheep: What AZGFD Is Doing

State wildlife managers, federal officials and bighorn sheep advocates emphasize the need to reduce contact between wild and domestic sheep species, citing evidence of disease transfer. This is often difficult because many bighorn sheep populations occur on public land where domestic sheep are permitted to graze. Bighorn sheep exhibit “foray” behavior, where individuals travel up to 50 km searching for food, water or other herds. This increases the likelihood of wild sheep encountering domestic sheep. Separating domestic and wild sheep is the most viable current management option available to wildlife managers. AGFD actively works with ranchers and National Forest managers to minimize contact between domestic livestock and bighorn sheep.

Arizona Game and Fish considers pneumonia to be a serious potential threat to bighorn sheep herds and closely monitors known herds for signs of pneumonia. Whenever possible, animals are tested for infection by taking nasal swabs from live animals during capture and/or translocation events. The Department also urges hunters to submit nasal swabs and nasal tissue from harvested animals.