Montana commission approves bighorn sheep transfer

BILLINGS – A group of 30 to 45 bighorn sheep will be transferred as scientists pursue research into deadly pneumonia outbreaks among Montana herds.

The Billings Gazette reported the 482 sheep last counted in the herd is more than the recommended range of 292 to 358.

Game Management Bureau chief John Vore said decreasing the population of a dense herd can help reduce the risk of an outbreak.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks veterinarian Jennifer Ramsey said baseline data is difficult to collect and that the department has probably moved infected sheep in the past.

She said outbreaks of disease are a serious challenge to restoration efforts.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the transfer.