Contagious Goat Disease Resurfaces in Juneau

Officials urge caution as mountain goat illness spreads in Southeast Alaska

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly textured, geometric abstract painting in muted earth tones, depicting sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex biological structures and natural forces behind a viral disease affecting mountain goats.An abstract visualization of the viral forces behind a resurgent outbreak of contagious ecthyma in Alaska's mountain goat populations.Haines Today

A highly contagious skin infection known as contagious ecthyma, or 'orf,' has resurfaced in mountain goat populations around Juneau, Alaska, with reports of at least three dead goats and five more showing symptoms since the start of winter. The disease, which can also affect other wild and domestic hoofed animals, has not been widely seen in the region for 15 years, raising concerns among wildlife officials.

Why it matters

The reemergence of this disease in Juneau's mountain goat herds is concerning, as it can severely impact the health and survival of these animals, especially the youngest and oldest individuals. The virus can also potentially spread to other wildlife and even infect humans, though human cases are typically mild. This outbreak highlights the need for continued monitoring and precautions to protect both animal and human health in the region.

The details

Contagious ecthyma is a highly contagious viral skin disease that can affect mountain goats, Dall and bighorn sheep, muskox, and even domestic sheep and goats. It causes painful lesions around the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, and hooves, which can become infected and make it difficult for the animals to feed, see, and hear. While adult goats tend to recover, the youngest and oldest animals are most vulnerable. The disease is spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.

  • The last reported cases of contagious ecthyma in the Haines area were around 15 years ago.
  • Since the beginning of winter 2026, Juneau has seen three dead mountain goats and at least five reports of animals showing symptoms of the disease.

The players

Carl Koch

Area management biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Kevin Shove

A local hunter who recalls shooting a goat prior to 2011 that had scarring on its face, similar to contagious ecthyma.

Kevin White

A goat researcher at the University of Alaska Southeast who has taken blood samples from over 500 mountain goats in Southeast Alaska, finding that around 5% had immunity to contagious ecthyma.

Larry Benda

The owner of Alaska Fair Chase Guiding, who has not seen the disease in his 30 years of hunting and guiding.

Donald Hotch

A third-generation hunter who has never seen or heard of the contagious ecthyma disease.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've seen some with just like red rings around their eyes, and then others were like, you're surprised to think and eat and breathe properly because the face is so infected.”

— Carl Koch, Area management biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

“It was interesting that it was widespread and was found in almost all of the different populations and subpopulations that I tested. It means that it was occurring in all these areas at some point.”

— Kevin White, Goat researcher, University of Alaska Southeast

What’s next

Wildlife officials will continue to monitor the mountain goat populations in Juneau and the surrounding areas for any further signs of the contagious ecthyma outbreak. They urge hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious and report any sightings of sick or dead animals to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The takeaway

This resurgence of contagious ecthyma in Juneau's mountain goat herds underscores the need for ongoing disease surveillance and public awareness in Alaska's wildlife populations. While the disease is not typically severe in humans, it can have devastating impacts on vulnerable wild animals, highlighting the importance of responsible wildlife management and public health practices.