Contagious Skin Disease Afflicting Young Mountain Goats Around Juneau

Three young goats have died from the viral infection, raising concerns about public health and wildlife impacts.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex biological mechanisms behind a contagious skin disease affecting mountain goats.An abstract visualization of the viral forces behind a contagious skin disease afflicting young mountain goats in the Juneau area, posing risks to hikers and their pets.Juneau Today

A contagious viral skin disease called contagious ecthyma has been found in three young mountain goats around the Juneau, Alaska area this winter, resulting in the deaths of the afflicted animals. The infection, which can transfer to humans and pets, causes severe skin lesions around the mouth, eyes, and nose, and is typically more fatal in young lambs and goats.

Why it matters

Mountain goats are an iconic part of the Juneau landscape, and this outbreak raises concerns about the health of the local population as well as potential risks to hikers and their pets who may encounter infected animals on popular trails. The disease could have broader impacts on the ecosystem if it continues to spread.

The details

According to Carl Koch, the Juneau area biologist at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the first infected mountain goat kid was found dead on the Perseverance Trail in mid-March. In January, the department had to euthanize another infected kid that a hiker had taken home from the same trail. A third dead kid was discovered on the nearby Flume Trail the month prior.

  • In mid-March, a hiker found a dead mountain goat kid on the Perseverance Trail.
  • In January, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game euthanized an infected mountain goat kid that a hiker had taken home from the Perseverance Trail.
  • In December, another dead mountain goat kid was found on the Flume Trail.

The players

Carl Koch

The Juneau area biologist at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

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What they’re saying

“It was on the trail in a steep area, and the hiker used sticks or something so that they didn't touch it, and kind of shoved it over the edge so that nobody else's dog would run into it.”

— Carl Koch, Juneau Area Biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

What’s next

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is monitoring the situation and urging hikers to avoid contact with any sick or dead mountain goats they encounter. They are also advising pet owners to keep their dogs away from the animals.

The takeaway

This outbreak of a contagious skin disease in young mountain goats around Juneau is a concerning development that highlights the need for vigilance and public education to protect both wildlife and human health. Maintaining the health of the local mountain goat population is crucial for the ecosystem and the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts in the region.