Aoudad and Bighorn Sheep Share Common Respiratory Pathogens
Researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have found that aoudad, a species in the sheep and goat family, can catch and spread respiratory pathogens that can affect desert bighorn sheep in Texas. The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, was funded by the Wild Sheep Foundation and supported by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
Aoudad, originally from North Africa, were introduced to Texas in the late 1950s for hunting purposes. It is estimated that there are around 40,000 aoudad in the state. The lack of research on disease transmission between aoudad and native species like bighorn sheep has made it challenging for wildlife experts to monitor diseases and protect animal populations.
Both aoudad and bighorn sheep are important for Texas wildlife conservation and the state’s economy. While aoudad are economically valuable for hunting due to the lack of hunting restrictions, bighorn sheep require intensive management to maintain their population numbers. Respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, can impact both species and have caused population declines in bighorn sheep.
The researchers confirmed that aoudad can carry the same respiratory pathogens as bighorn sheep, allowing experts to monitor disease transmission within and between populations. There is a concern that these diseases could also spread to mule deer. Studying the impact of these diseases on aoudad populations is crucial for wildlife conservation efforts in Texas.
Overall, monitoring disease transmission is important for maintaining a balance among wildlife populations in Texas and ensuring their well-being.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.