Pneumonia outbreak prompts bighorn sheep killing
By Benjamin Spillman, Reno Gazette-Journal
Sharpshooters firing shotguns from a helicopter killed 24 bighorn sheep on Sunday and Monday in an unprecedented attempt to contain an outbreak of pneumonia in the herd.
According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife it’s the first time wildlife managers in the state have taken such drastic measures to prevent the spread of pneumonia among bighorn sheep.
“This is truly an unfortunate measure,” said Nevada Department of Wildlife Director Tony Wasley in a written statement. “But as the extent of this disease event has become clearer to us, we have determined that it is the proper and responsible course of action.”
