The sheep and goat Control Order applies to domestic sheep and goat owners in the Yukon. The order is designed to reduce the risk of respiratory pathogens, mainly Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi), spreading to wild sheep and goat populations.
Duration
The Order came into effect on January 1, 2025.
It remains in place until December 31, 2034.
Control Order requirements
These conditions apply if you're purchasing, own or keep 1 or more domestic sheep or goats as a pet or livestock.
Your sheep and goats must:
- be kept in an enclosure that meets the requirements and is approved by an inspector;
- have permanent identification such as an ear tag or microchip;
- be tested for respiratory disease, mainly M. ovi; and
- be kept below 1,000 metres elevation.
You must:
- keep up-to-date records of new sheep or goats added to your herd or flock;
- report any escaped sheep or goats or contact between domestic and wild species; and
- apply for and obtain a permit if you want to import sheep or goats into Yukon.
Violating the Control Order
You are in violation of the Control Order if you:
- have not contacted us and own sheep or goats;
- are not actively working towards compliance; or
- are not continuing to follow the conditions of the Control Order (such as maintaining your fencing or allowing your animals to be tested).
Penalties
Violating the Control Order is an offence under the Animal Health Act. If you're convicted, you may face:
- a fine;
- imprisonment; or
- both a fine and imprisonment.
Additionally, if you're convicted, you may be prohibited from owning or having custody or control of animals in the future.
Important updates and reminders
- The first Control Order was in place from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024. A new order is in effect until December 31, 2034.
- You can find past updates and reports on the Control Order here.
- Frequency of testing and inspection of enclosures will now be based on the risk of finding pathogens of concern.
- Animals that swab negative for M. ovi are not considered “disease free.” The M. ovi bacteria can survive undetected in healthy sheep or goats. This is why you must repeat tests.
- We continue to provide farm visits for sample collection and laboratory testing of samples at no cost to you.
- If you're considering importing domestic sheep or goats, please schedule an appointment to speak with the Agriculture Branch and Animal Health and Protection early in the planning process to review import requirements and pre-testing options.
- You do not need a permit to move, purchase or sell domestic sheep and goats within the Yukon. If you move animals onto your farm:
- carefully consider the risk to your herd or flock;
- remember to update your records after the sale or purchase;
- document the date and source of any animals visiting your farm (for example, for breeding purposes); and
- practise rigorous biosecurity.
- Consider lower-risk ways of bringing new genetics into your herd or flock. Artificial insemination is a safe and unrestricted way to expand genetic diversity without the risk of introducing M. ovi or other pathogens.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) has funding available for farms that have agricultural production. CAP provides funding to help Yukon agriculture grow and thrive.
If a domestic sheep or goat in the Yukon tests positive for M. ovi:
- that animal is considered a carrier of a respiratory hazard; and
- must be removed from the Yukon or destroyed, typically by slaughter.
If an owner has complied with the Control Order, they may be eligible for financial compensation for animals that are ordered to be destroyed.
The presence of M. ovi does not affect the safety of the meat. The owner may retain all products from slaughtered animals.
For questions about owning sheep or goats in the Yukon, contact the Agriculture Branch or Animal Health and Protection.
For the Agriculture Branch, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5838.
For Animal Health and Protection, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5600.
You can also reach the Agriculture Branch or Animal Health and Protection toll-free in the Yukon by phoning 1-800-661-0408 and asking to be transferred.