Residents in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia have observed a rise in psoroptic mange, a parasitic skin condition, affecting the local bighorn sheep population. This increase has led to concerns about the declining numbers of these animals, prompting the initiation of a new research study. The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), a First Nations tribal council, is spearheading the research efforts, which commenced in February and are set to run until July 2026.
The ONA highlights the cultural significance of bighorn sheep to the Syilx people, emphasizing their role in reflecting the land’s health and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. The Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia is supporting the study financially, which also involves collaboration with provincial and regional biologists. British Columbia boasts some of the most substantial and diverse wild sheep populations in North America.
The psoroptic mange infestation in bighorn sheep poses significant threats, with Mackenzie Clarke, ONA Wildlife Program lead, revealing that all sheep in the region, from Penticton to the U.S. border, are affected by the skin disease. The condition, caused by mites, results in skin lesions, hair loss, and potential hearing loss due to mite-induced crust formation in the ears, making the sheep vulnerable to predators and road accidents.
Researchers believe that the psoroptic mange outbreak originated from a former domestic rabbit farm in British Columbia. To address this issue, a medication trial is currently underway, involving the capture of bighorn sheep to test the effectiveness and duration of two drugs, fluralaner and moxidectin, sourced from Australia. The Penticton Indian Band is actively participating in the project, building on a previous successful mange mitigation trial that used fluralaner. The study aims to combat the decline in bighorn sheep populations, which have decreased by 60% since the initial detection of psoroptic mange in 2011.
In addition to the mange infestation, the bighorn sheep in the South Okanagan also face threats from pneumonia. The study seeks to address these challenges and revitalize the bighorn sheep populations. Lia McKinnon, a stewardship biologist with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society, applauds the collaborative efforts involving the Penticton Indian Band, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, and provincial authorities. The involvement of Indigenous communities is crucial, given the cultural significance of bighorn sheep to local First Nations populations.