Domestic Sheep and Goat Producers Survey Dec. 3 2025 Final

Producer Perspectives on Alberta’s Free M. ovi Testing and Fencing Programs

Dec. 1, 2025

Introduction
$75 UFA Coupon

The survey takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Contact information is only required if you choose to enter a draw for a $75 UFA coupon. You may save your progress and return to the survey at any time.

The survey closes February 2, 2026. The succesful draw recipient will be notified within 2 weeks of this date.

What is M. ovi?

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) is a common bacterium in domestic sheep and goats across North America. It usually causes no noticeable illness in these animals and often goes undetected without testing. M. ovi is not a reportable or notifiable disease in Alberta, and there are no regulatory or negative consequences for having positive animals. While M. ovi rarely affects domestic animals, it can cause fatal pneumonia in wild sheep.

Free testing & fencing programs

The Government of Alberta, in partnership with local veterinarians, offers free M. ovi testing and fencing for eligible domestic sheep and goat producers whose animals reside or are taken into the Mountain Goat and Sheep Areas 50 km buffer. Understanding how common M. ovi is in domestic animals near bighorn habitat helps to guide prevention efforts, protect wild sheep, and provide producers with valuable insights into the health of their own flock or herds.

These programs cover all testing and fencing expenses, including vet fees, materials, and installation. Sampling is done with a quick, painless nasal swab.

To learn more, click here: M. ovi programs, testing and fencing.

Why participate in this survey?

This survey is for all sheep and goat producers whose animals occur within the 50 km buffer zone of Mountain Goat and Sheep Areas.

Your feedback will help identify the factors that influence producers’ decisions about participating in the free testing and fencing programs. This information is essential for tailoring program support, improving outreach, strengthening incentives, and reducing barriers—ultimately helping protect bighorn sheep from pneumonia outbreaks.

Thank you for sharing your perspective and supporting wildlife conservation in Alberta.

Section 1

Your Operation
1. Which species do you currently own?
2. How many of each species do you own?
3. What is the primary purpose of your animals? Select all that apply.

MeatWoolBreedingPack animalPetOther
4. How long have you been a sheep or goat producer?
5. Do you live in the south, central or north part of Alberta?
6. Why are your animals found within the Mountain Goat and Sheep Areas 50km buffer?
Comments

Section 2

Awareness of Free Testing and Fencing Programs
7. Before today, where had you heard about the M. ovi programs? Select all that apply.

I had not heardAlberta Lamb Producer (ALP) event / newsletterAlberta Goat Association (AGA) event / newsletterALP / AGA social mediaGovernment webpage / pamphlet / signOther producersVeterinarianOther

Section 4

Suggestions
11. Do you have any suggestions about the M. ovi testing and fencing programs?
12. Do you have any general recommendations to help minimize risk of M. ovi transmission or pneumonia die-offs in bighorn sheep?
Section 5

Eligible Draw
Please provide your contact information below to be entered into a draw for a $75 UFA coupon. The winner will be contacted within two weeks of the survey closing.
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.

Questions / Comments: Contact Information
Anne Hubbs, Provincial Wildlife Science Specialist, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA)

Email: Anne.Hubbs@gov.ab.ca

Phone: 403-846-6558

Photo Credits
Sundre Pioneer Veterinary Services

A. Hubbs, EPA
Should be Empty:

Producer Perspectives on Alberta’s Free M. ovi Testing and Fencing Programs

Introduction

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5