Pneumonia outbreak in Yakima canyon

[Tbar]

If this is already posted please remove.
Yakima River Canyon bighorn sheep herd faces pneumonia outbreak - YakTriNews.com
https://www.yaktrinews.com/yakima-river-canyon-bighorn-sheep-herd-faces-pneumonia-outbreak/

[trophyhunt]

Sure wish they had a vaccine for this, hate to see this happen as often as it does.

[Torrent50]

It really sucks.  The ram I took last year was one that had not been captured and tested so the biologist was really interested in getting him out of the herd.  They asked me to take the lungs as well as the other samples if I shot it.  We also saw him and a couple others that were collared coughing during the time we were watching them.  I haven't contacted the biologist yet, but I need to reach out and see what the test results were. 

Pretty sad to see them wiped out.  People need to keep their damn domestic sheep contained.

[Ridgerunner]

It's sad, sheep tags will be even more rare in this state.  Tieton herd got wiped out and never has come back. 

[trophyhunt]

Is it as simple as keeping domestic sheep away from wild sheep? 

[Skyvalhunter]

Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.

[MtnMuley]

Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.

Source?

[NRA4LIFE]

Guess my 19 sheep points just got a little more worthless.  Hope there is a solution somewhere down the road.

[Skyvalhunter]

Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.

Source?

My source is a fishing guide on Lake Chelan who talked to the Biologist there.

[Ridgerunner]

If it is hitting the Butte too then its really bad news for the sheep in this state. 

[MtnMuley]

Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.

Source?

My source is a fishing guide on Lake Chelan who talked to the Biologist there.

Interesting, because a week or so ago the bio there was talking about how the Butte and Swak were a couple of the few herds that hadn't been infected.

[Skyvalhunter]

Well it's entirely possible my source could be wrong too.

[HUNTNORTHWEST]

watch this be there year I draw and no sheep left.

[Skyvalhunter]

Its entirely possible he mixed up the Chelan and Manson herd. This article says Manson.
https://www.ifiberone.com/columbia_basin/pneumonia-outbreaks-amongst-bighorn-sheep-in-chelan-and-okanogan-counties-has-state-intervening/article_5b1a7cbc-7a70-11ec-bafa-1b40c7af88bd.html

[Torrent50]

I would be shocked if they had any Umtanum ram tags this year.   I only saw 6 mature rams and know 4 of those were killed and 1 was broken off and had been seen coughing.  Nobody I talked to had seen any others on that side of the river either.   Unless some crossed over the highway,  I don't see there being enough to have any tags.   

[emac]

Its entirely possible he mixed up the Chelan and Manson herd. This article says Manson.
https://www.ifiberone.com/columbia_basin/pneumonia-outbreaks-amongst-bighorn-sheep-in-chelan-and-okanogan-counties-has-state-intervening/article_5b1a7cbc-7a70-11ec-bafa-1b40c7af88bd.html

Well the Manson herd does come in contact with the chelan herd down by Walmart

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[MtnMuley]

I would be shocked if they had any Umtanum ram tags this year.   I only saw 6 mature rams and know 4 of those were killed and 1 was broken off and had been seen coughing.  Nobody I talked to had seen any others on that side of the river either.   Unless some crossed over the highway,  I don't see there being enough to have any tags.

I'll guarantee they have tags. They want the sportsmen/women killing those sheep. That's a big plus for us hunters in this crappy situation.

[MtnMuley]

Its entirely possible he mixed up the Chelan and Manson herd. This article says Manson.
https://www.ifiberone.com/columbia_basin/pneumonia-outbreaks-amongst-bighorn-sheep-in-chelan-and-okanogan-counties-has-state-intervening/article_5b1a7cbc-7a70-11ec-bafa-1b40c7af88bd.html

Heard Manson had some issues lately. They way things are going, it won't be long until the Butte and Swak suffer as well. Sad times for WA sheep for sure.

[Torrent50]

I would be shocked if they had any Umtanum ram tags this year.   I only saw 6 mature rams and know 4 of those were killed and 1 was broken off and had been seen coughing.  Nobody I talked to had seen any others on that side of the river either.   Unless some crossed over the highway,  I don't see there being enough to have any tags.

I'll guarantee they have tags. They want the sportsmen/women killing those sheep. That's a big plus for us hunters in this crappy situation.

WDFW has already proposed eliminating the youth, juvenile ram, and adult ewe hunts for both Umtanum and Selah Butte this year due to the outbreak.  Not sure how they can have OIL ram tags in an area that doesn't have rams and where they have eliminated all the other tags.

[MtnMuley]

You're aware this outbreak happened a couple years ago, correct? Hence the reason all the added tags for juvy, ewe, and youth. Being they're basically all infected, why would they eliminate this hunter opportunity they've been allowing to kill the herd?

[Torrent50]

You're aware this outbreak happened a couple years ago, correct? Hence the reason all the added tags for juvy, ewe, and youth. Being they're basically all infected, why would they eliminate this hunter opportunity they've been allowing to kill the herd?

Yes, I am aware.  I am also aware that there is currently a proposed change to the regs to eliminate the juvenile ram, adult ewe, and youth hunts in those units because of a new outbreak "until the impacts of the outbreak are understood."

https://publicinput.com/I4577

[Torrent50]

The biologist I spoke to in October seemed concerned that there may be a new outbreak of a different strain since some of the animals that had been captured and tested negative/collared in February were now seen coughing in September and October.  Perhaps these proposed changes are due to a new outbreak over the past 6 months to a year which concerns them.  My gut tells me that any new testing that they do, or observations of potentially infected animals will result in them being culled by WDFW long before the season this fall which would likely leave numbers too low to support a hunt.

But I'm pretty new to the sheep thing, so I could be way off base.  I'm not new to how government agencies work however, so there's that.....

[MtnMuley]

There isn't going to be a herd there is why they're killing them off. It's done. Either bring in the contract killers or keep.giving our the extra tags. I'd prefer the latter. Regardless, it will come to a point when the contract guys go in and finish off the rest.

[GurrCentral]

Good evening all. I have collaborated with the biologists out of the Wenatchee office and FORTUNATELY there are currently no signs of MOVI present in the North Central herds (Swakane, Chelan Butte and Manson). While the conversation regarding our Wild Sheep in Washington is appreciated, please ensure that you contact those in the "know" prior to spreading misinformation. As you all may or may not know, Wild Sheep are a precious resource and need a close eye on them when it comes to contact with domestics. If you see anything regarding this, you are encouraged to please contact the local WDFW office and let them know.

I look forward to "talking sheep" with all of you who are attending the 2022 annual Wild Sheep Foundation fundraising banquet on March 12th. (tickets are going fast, so get yours soon) It's going to be a fantastic evening to raise funds to support Wild Sheep conservation!

Washingtonwsf.org

Garrett Grant
Vice President
Washington Wild Sheep Foundation

[Tbar]

@gurrCentral
Sorry for posting. How do you become "in the know"? Why were you not leading the way sharing information? What was your collaboration? Maybe I'll come watch and learn?

[GurrCentral]

@tbar no problem. To reference your question of how to become "in the know" I will refer to contacting a local WDFW biologist. They are the individuals with help of funding resources/organizations that put planning into action with monitoring, testing, and analyzing data with Wild Sheep. Also, if you would like to get involved with the Washington Wild Sheep Foundation please let me know. We are always looking for individuals who have the same passion for Wild Sheep conservation.

To your question of ...."why were you not leading the way sharing information?"  I was just recently made aware of this thread/posts about the N. Central herds. 

To your question of ...."what was your collaboration?" I contacted the local biologist who monitors the N. Central Washington bighorn sheep herds and inquired about the status of those herds in question. I received a prompt response and I chose to share with those who care about Wild Sheep in Washington, ie, this thread. (as the N. Central Washington herd liaison, I frequently am in contact with WDFW)

I would love to have you "come watch and learn" by talking about Wild Sheep and conservation with you at the banquet. Or contact me about how you would like to get involved with bighorn sheep conservation.

[Tbar]

The pneumonia issue is ever present.  Therefore limiting the "conservation" or "putting more sheep on the mountain". Absent a change in the current reality of the wild domestic overlap conservation becomes self limiting to an extent? Correct? Then the reality of selling 30-40% of the available tags and some conflicts of interest inside of your org and the conversation becomes more complex, right?  Should I contact Bernie to clarify the current status? Other bios? Many things look wrong on the surface and includes your org so maybe I need more insight.  Maybe taking all your conservation dollars and pay Martinez not to graze? I'm not sure but feel like the crux and threat of M-ovi will continue to be a constant limiting factor.  Also are you saying that the cited news source is incorrect? Or individual posts?

[scree]

I'm just happy that the N. Central herds are healthy.  We can use some good news. WA sheep have been getting their teeth kicked in with MOVI way too much lately.  Hopefully these sheep stay healthy. 

FYI there is a purposed rule to bar pack goats from certain WDFW lands and the comment period is open.  I wrote something  like "I support the restriction of domestic goats on WDFW lands that are near bighorn sheep herds" If you are so inclined, please log on and make a comment supporting the separation of domestic livestock and our wild sheep.

I would like to note that I'm not anti pack goat. I think people should be able to recreate how they want; however, in the case of bring potentially MOVI positive animals amongst bighorns is just not the risk.     

[jackelope]

I'm just happy that the N. Central herds are healthy.  We can use some good news. WA sheep have been getting their teeth kicked in with MOVI way too much lately.  Hopefully these sheep stay healthy. 

FYI there is a purposed rule to bar pack goats from certain WDFW lands and the comment period is open.  I wrote something  like "I support the restriction of domestic goats on WDFW lands that are near bighorn sheep herds" If you are so inclined, please log on and make a comment supporting the separation of domestic livestock and our wild sheep.

I would like to note that I'm not anti pack goat. I think people should be able to recreate how they want; however, in the case of bring potentially MOVI positive animals amongst bighorns is just not the risk.     

Is there any proposals to enforce or ban domestic sheep grazing where wild sheep live? Seems like the pack goat problem is pretty minimal. I’ve hiked all over the cascades and blues and have never run into any pack goats. Maybe a half dozen llamas.

[Tbar]

I'm just happy that the N. Central herds are healthy.  We can use some good news. WA sheep have been getting their teeth kicked in with MOVI way too much lately.  Hopefully these sheep stay healthy. 

FYI there is a purposed rule to bar pack goats from certain WDFW lands and the comment period is open.  I wrote something  like "I support the restriction of domestic goats on WDFW lands that are near bighorn sheep herds" If you are so inclined, please log on and make a comment supporting the separation of domestic livestock and our wild sheep.

I would like to note that I'm not anti pack goat. I think people should be able to recreate how they want; however, in the case of bring potentially MOVI positive animals amongst bighorns is just not the risk.     

Is there any proposals to enforce or ban domestic sheep grazing where wild sheep live? Seems like the pack goat problem is pretty minimal. I’ve hiked all over the cascades and blues and have never run into any pack goats. Maybe a half dozen llamas.

I doubt it.  Too political for the .Org. It's easy to attack the low hanging fruit and not address the issue but "try". 

[huntnphool]

Good evening all. I have collaborated with the biologists out of the Wenatchee office and FORTUNATELY there are currently no signs of MOVI present in the North Central herds (Swakane, Chelan Butte and Manson). While the conversation regarding our Wild Sheep in Washington is appreciated, please ensure that you contact those in the "know" prior to spreading misinformation. As you all may or may not know, Wild Sheep are a precious resource and need a close eye on them when it comes to contact with domestics. If you see anything regarding this, you are encouraged to please contact the local WDFW office and let them know.

I look forward to "talking sheep" with all of you who are attending the 2022 annual Wild Sheep Foundation fundraising banquet on March 12th. (tickets are going fast, so get yours soon) It's going to be a fantastic evening to raise funds to support Wild Sheep conservation!

Washingtonwsf.org

Garrett Grant
Vice President
Washington Wild Sheep Foundation

 Thanks for the updated info Garrett, happy to see you posting.

[scree]

I'm just happy that the N. Central herds are healthy.  We can use some good news. WA sheep have been getting their teeth kicked in with MOVI way too much lately.  Hopefully these sheep stay healthy. 

FYI there is a purposed rule to bar pack goats from certain WDFW lands and the comment period is open.  I wrote something  like "I support the restriction of domestic goats on WDFW lands that are near bighorn sheep herds" If you are so inclined, please log on and make a comment supporting the separation of domestic livestock and our wild sheep.

I would like to note that I'm not anti pack goat. I think people should be able to recreate how they want; however, in the case of bring potentially MOVI positive animals amongst bighorns is just not the risk.     

Is there any proposals to enforce or ban domestic sheep grazing where wild sheep live? Seems like the pack goat problem is pretty minimal. I’ve hiked all over the cascades and blues and have never run into any pack goats. Maybe a half dozen llamas.

I agree the pack goats are minimal in the grand scheme of things.  They aren't a problem until they are. It only takes one bad encounter. 

There is currently a law suit brought by a couple of "Green" organizations against the Forest Service (normally I don't agree with these groups but in this case I hope they win)  Basically it outlines the FS's lack of implementation of a Congressional mandate.  The FS's own data shows several BHS herds are at a high risk of contact with domestic sheep on FS grazing allotments.  If they win this would be a big deal and go a long way in separation.  This would only effect FS domestic sheep grazing permits and wouldn't do anything for the hoppy flocks unfortunately. 

WDFW tried a program directed at small flocks that would test their animals.  If the domestic sheep were MOVI positive the owners were offered a clean sheep from a heard kept at Walla Walla state penitentiary.  Unfortunately the program fell apart when they couldn't keep the Walla Walla sheep clean.  It was a good idea, it just didn't work.     

[jackelope]

I guess I’d be more inclined to push for bans or restrictions on domestic sheep grazing in wild sheep country as that seems like a much bigger problem than some pack goats. You’re talking hundreds or thousands of domestic sheep free ranging all over the country side or a pack string of a few goats who are with their people/handlers/owners 100% of the time. 500 out of control unmonitored sheep going wherever they want and that’s going seemingly ignored versus  or 4 goats with their owners being monitored and they’re being pushed out. Doesn’t make sense to me.

[Torrent50]

Found out today that my ram did test positive for Movi, so I guess it's a good thing that he got taken out of the herd.