The Bureau of Land Management is investigating the deaths of 25 wild burros recently removed from the Canyonlands Herd Management Area in Wayne County. The burros died from bronchopneumonia, bacterial infection, and a gammaherpes virus. Caregivers noticed signs of respiratory illness in early March, with the first deaths confirmed on March 11. Surviving affected burros are undergoing medical treatment in quarantine.
The Canyonlands HMA was supporting more than 200 burros, well above its Appropriate Management Level of 60 to 100. By removing excess animals, the BLM aims to maintain a sustainable balance between wild burros, native wildlife, and available forage on public lands. Helicopter drive-trapping was used to safely gather the burros, with 82 transported to the Axtell facility for medical checks and adoption preparation.
The BLM is following established best practices to ensure herd health and is in close contact with veterinary experts nationwide to evaluate the situation and limit disease risks. Once the quarantined Canyonlands burros recover, they will be offered for adoption or purchase. Interested adopters can visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro Program page or call (866) 468-7826 for more information.
