EVALUATION OF HEALTH STATUS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHEEP (OVIS CANADENSIS CANADENSIS) IN SOUTHEASTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Date
1988-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Three herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (OVis canadensis
canadensis Shaw) in southeastern British Columbia were evaluated
for health status during 1983 and 1984. Each herd was of similar
size but varied in disease occurrence and herd dynamics, both
historically and over the period of study. Samples taken from
six sheep in each herd were examined for nutritional condition,
microbiological, virological and serological status, general and
pulmonary parasite loads, blood chemistry and trace mineral
levels, as well as gross and histological lesions. The Columbia
Lake herd at high animal density wintering on a poor quality, low
elevation range was demonstrated to have high levels of lungworm
infection, low total serum
protein, fecal nitrogen and liver
selenium levels. Higher total serum protein, fecal nitrogen,
liver selenium levels and lower lungworm levels were
present in
bighorns from the lower density ER herd wintering at high
elevation. Adrenal glands were larger, lungworm levels were
lowest, and chronic clinical and subclinical systemic and
respiratory diseases were common in adults and lambs from a
second herd (Wigwam) wintering at low elevation, 2 years after an
all-age die off. Study herd status was best determined by
comparison of fecal lungworm larval output, fecal nitrogen, liver
selenium levels and pathological findings. Recommendations were
made for future monitoring and management of bighorn herds. The
Columbia Lake herd was treated with trace minerals and an
anthelmintic after the 1983 collection. Lungworm larvae output
was less in four sheep examined in the following year, but no
change was seen in trace mineral levels.
Description
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Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Veterinary Pathology
Program
Veterinary Pathology