Abstract

The introduction and translocation of both domestic and wild animals are key factors in the emergence of infectious diseases. Throughout North America, interactions between domestic livestock and wildlife have often resulted in pathogen exchange and disease outbreaks; for example, contact between domestic sheep/goats and bighorn sheep has resulted in pneumonia epizootics and decimation of bighorn sheep populations. In the Northwest Territories (NT), large epizootics have not been reported and as yet, there has been no contact between domestic sheep, goats, or llamas and wildlife such as thinhorn sheep and mountain goats. The equilibrium of the wildlife host-environment-pathogen system, particularly during this period of accelerating climate change, may be precarious and susceptible to additional stressors, such as contact with domestic animals. Therefore, it is very important to proactively assess and minimize these potential stressors.

In the Northwest Territories (NT), healthy populations of Dall’s sheep, mountain woodland caribou, moose, and mountain goats are the foundation for subsistence hunting, tourism, and outfitted sport hunting. At the same time, there is a growing movement towards promotion and development of an economically sustainable agricultural industry in the NT, including raising of domestic and exotic species for meat, milk, and wool/hair. Additionally, both domestic goats and llamas are becoming increasingly popular as pack animals for back-country expeditions.

To protect the wildlife of the NT while at the same time developing the agriculture industry, it is critical to understand (1) the risk of disease introduction from domestic livestock and exotic species, (2) the risk of disease transmission between wild and domestic/exotic animals, and (3) how these risks can be mitigated with minimal impact on both sectors. To this end, we conducted a literature-based risk assessment and developed a framework for legislators, wildlife managers, and domestic animal producers to proactively make informed decisions that minimize risks to wildlife health.