Reduce the risk of respiratory disease in wild sheep and goats

The sheep and goat Control Order applies to domestic sheep and goat owners in 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:

• 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 for every individual sheep and goat;
• report any escaped sheep or goats or contact between domestic and wild species from their enclosure or while being transported; and
• apply for and obtain a permit if you want to import sheep or goats into Yukon.

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 are 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 2-year report on findings from March 2019 to February 2021.
• 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 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 Canadian Agricultural Partnership (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 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 are 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.

• Sheep and goat Control Order findings report (2021)
• Control Order reminders (winter 2020/21)
• Control Order update (summer 2020)
• Sheep and goat Control Order fact sheet (2020)
• Control Order: what we heard (2019)