DISEASE REPORTED IN BIGHORN SHEEP NEAR WELLS

On December 29, 2009 the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) was

contacted by concerned sportsmen about a potential disease event

affecting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the East Humboldt Range south

of Wells. Department of Wildlife biologist Caleb McAdoo responded to the

call and confirmed that several sheep showed clinical signs of

pneumonia.

Understanding the potential severity of the incident, NDOW biologists

and veterinarians from NDOW and the Nevada Department of Agriculture

collected samples for disease analysis over the New Year's weekend.

"Samples have been taken from seven animals and sent to Washington

Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis," said Peregrine

Wolff, NDOW veterinarian.

Four ewes were outfitted with ear tags and radio telemetry collars,

which will allow the biologists to monitor the sheep movements and

conduct health assessments on the animals, as needed. Biologists will

continue to monitor the sheep, and lab results should be completed

within two weeks.

McAdoo asked that the public avoid the sheep wintering locations, such

as the Beverly Hills and Welcome areas outside of Wells, Nevada, in

order to avoid any further undue stress on the animals.

Bighorn sheep in Lamoille Canyon, 20 miles outside of Elko, are also

affected. NDOW is asking the public to also give the sheep in Lamoille

Canyon a wide berth to limit the stress on them during the crucial

winter months.

"NDOW would also like to thank the dedicated sportsmen who provided

valuable information regarding this disease event," said McAdoo, "This

information allowed us to get on the ground immediately to assess the

situation."

"We are actively monitoring the situation, and working to identify

options to manage this disease event," said Wolff. http://www.ndow.org .