Residents in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia have observed a rise in psoroptic mange, a parasitic skin condition, among the local bighorn sheep. The dwindling population of these animals has sparked a new investigation. Conducted by the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), a tribal council representing First Nations, the research initiative commenced in February and is scheduled to run until July 2026.
The ONA emphasizes the cultural significance of bighorn sheep to the Syilx people, portraying these animals as indicators of environmental health and the equilibrium between humans and nature. The Syilx community, native to the Okanagan area with territorial reach into the United States, holds a deep connection to these sheep.
Supporting the study financially is the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, collaborating with provincial and regional biologists. British Columbia boasts rich and diverse populations of wild sheep in North America, as highlighted by the society.
Mackenzie Clarke, the lead of the ONA Wildlife Program, reports that all bighorn sheep from Penticton to the U.S. border are affected by psoroptic mange. This skin disease, caused by microscopic mites, leads to skin irritation, hair loss, and potential hearing impairment in sheep, making them more vulnerable to environmental threats.
Researchers suspect that the origin of psoroptic mange in the region can be traced back to a former domestic rabbit farm in British Columbia. Previous genetic testing confirmed the link between the disease in bighorn sheep and the proximity of the rabbit farm, which no longer exists.
To address this issue, a medication trial is underway involving the capture of bighorn sheep for testing two drugs, fluralaner and moxidectin, sourced from Australia. These drugs aim to combat mange and its effects on the sheep population in the South Okanagan.
Psoroptic mange has been identified in the South Okanagan area west of Penticton since 2011, leading to a significant decline of 60% in bighorn sheep numbers. The ongoing study seeks to reverse this trend and revitalize the bighorn sheep populations. Stakeholders like Lia McKinnon from the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society express optimism about the study’s potential to safeguard bighorn sheep from various threats, including pneumonia, which further endangers the local population.
The collaborative effort involving the Penticton Indian Band, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, and governmental agencies underscores the importance of indigenous involvement in conservation efforts, given the cultural significance of bighorn sheep to the local First Nations community.
