Reduce the risk of respiratory disease in wild sheep and goats

  • Sheep and goat Control Order
  • Funding and support
  • What happens if M. ovi is detected in my sheep or goat?
  • Past updates and reports

  1. Sheep and goat Control Order

    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.

    Read the full Control Order.

    Duration

    The order came into effect on January 1, 2020.

    It remains in place until December 31, 2024.

    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:

    You must:

    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 Government of Yukon released a Report on the findings from Year 4 of the Control Order.
    • We base the frequency of testing at individual farms on an annual risk assessment.
    • Animals that swab negative for M. ovi are not considered “disease free.” The M. ovi bacteria can survive within sheep or goats undetected. 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 Unit 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.

     


  2. Funding and support

    The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) has funding available for farms that have agricultural production. CAP provides funding to help Yukon agriculture grow and thrive.


  3. What happens if M. ovi is detected in my sheep or goat?

    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
    • will be ordered to be destroyed, typically by slaughter.

    If an owner has complied with the Control Order, they're eligible for financial compensation for any 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.



Contact 

For questions about owning sheep or goats in the Yukon, contact the Agriculture Branch or Animal Health Unit.

For the Agriculture Branch, email agriculture-livestock@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5838.

For the Animal Health Unit, email animalhealth@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5600.

You can also reach the Agriculture Branch or Animal Health Unit toll-free in the Yukon by phoning 1-800-661-0408 and asking to be transferred.