A Historical Perspective of Bighorn Sheep Disease in Montana

Abstract

A historical overview of bighorn sheep disease in the state of Montana will be discussed by summarizing causes of morbidity and mortality experienced by various Montana bighorn herds.  Changes in our understanding of bighorn sheep diseases, their impacts on herd health, and management strategies that may be directed at reducing risk of disease outbreaks in bighorn will be discussed.  Additional information and updates on current health testing protocols and a multi-state effort to standardize testing protocols for bighorn sheep will also be presented.