Officials raise concerns following abnormal sheep flock migration — and it comes with an unwanted surprise

Large flocks of Deccani sheep, an Indigenous sheep breed in India, have been spotted outside their normal range in the southwestern state of Goa.

The appearance of these animals has several troubling implications, including the spread of diseases. Aaron Savio Lobo, head of the marine program of the Wildlife Conservation Society-India, explained as much in an op-ed written for Mongabay.

What's happening?

Deccani sheep are traditionally cared for by the Dhangar, a community of Indigenous nomadic shepherds. Despite the Deccani being adapted to survive prolonged drought conditions, recent changes to the climate have left the areas where they historically grazed too dry to sustain life. 

As a result, the Dhangar and their Deccani have been venturing outside their normal migration routes, searching for more hospitable grazing areas.

India has been hit hard by drought in recent years, as a lack of rain and rising temperatures have combined to cause groundwater to deplete at an accelerated rate.

Why are these changes concerning?

One of the more troubling implications of the changed migration routes, Lobo wrote, is the potential spread of diseases. The sheep, which are already suffering from a lack of water and food, are becoming more prone to parasites and infections. The concern now is that they will spread those illnesses, such as the parasitic liver fluke disease, as they roam.