AGREEMENT SEEKS THRIVING WILDLIFE, PRODUCTIVE LAND

Nevada’s rangeland is an open playground for wildlife viewing, hunting, and other recreationists. It is also a workplace for ranchers: sheep, cattle, and goats dine there. A new agreement among the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDOA), and the University of Nevada, Reno outlines goals towards understanding “disease events,” such as major wildlife die-offs, and towards effective rangeland management to benefit both livestock and wildlife.

“Domestic livestock and wildlife both benefit the economy of Nevada and are important to the cultural heritage of the state,” said Ken Mayer, NDOW’s director. “All three agencies recognize, however, the risk of disease transmission when there is contact between domestic livestock and wildlife,” he continued.

Collaborative research is a component of the recent Memorandum of Understanding, which focuses on bighorn sheep populations. Possibly because of their isolated populations, bighorn sheep may be particularly susceptible to pathogens. “We’re looking to understand the factors that influence the risk of disease transmission, and to establish mutually beneficial practices,” said Dr. Phil LaRussa, state veterinarian with NDOA.

“All parties will actively participate in collaborative research, explained Dr. David Thain, state extension veterinarian at the university. “Science-based information can be used to improve disease management for the mutual benefit of producers and the wildlife resource.”

Unexplained die-offs of wild bighorn sheep populations have occurred in the past, the most recent in the fall of 2007. A herd in the Hay’s Canyon Range in the northwest part of the state suffered great losses attributed to bacterial pneumonia.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.