Elk Hoof Disease Public Working Group

Sporadic reports of lame elk or elk with overgrown or missing hooves have been received in southwest Washington since the mid-1990s. Reports of this "hoof disease" have been increasing, and hunters have regularly seen and sometimes harvested elk with this condition. At times, observers have reported many individuals in a group limping and showing signs of hoof disease, which has been noted in males and females and old and very young animals. Dozens of hoof diseases occur in domestic livestock. They have many different causes (infectious, metabolic, toxic, nutritional, physical) and varied modes of transmission, prevention and treatment.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is working with specialists, here and abroad, to better understand what is causing hoof disease in southwest Washington elk. Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) of elk results in abnormal hoof growth, cavitating sole ulcers, chronic laminitis and, in severe cases, eventual sloughing of the hoof capsule.  Based on all evidence to date, the disease is believed to be caused by infectious treponeme bacteria and most closely resembles contagious ovine digital dermatitis in sheep. Working with specialists throughout the USA and abroad, this diagnosis is based on test results of diseased hooves examined by five independent diagnostic laboratories and reviewed by a 16-member technical panel of researchers and veterinarians. The primary area of infection is in the Cowlitz River Basin; however, suspected incidences of hoof disease occur in southwest Washington in ten counties and affects both the Mt. St. Helens and Willapa elk herds. It is likely that environmental factors are important in disease initiation and propagation as the bacteria are suspected to persist in wet soil conditions and spread to new areas on the hooves of infected animals. We currently do not know the prevalence of the disease, or its adverse effects on the population, and there is not a treatment plan or vaccine available at this time.

Given this complexity, more research is needed to help us better understand and manage this problem. We are coordinating with other agencies and universities to prioritize the work needed. Even if we are able to determine what is causing this hoof disease, it will be very challenging to address it as there are likely very few, if any, treatment options for wild elk. However, understanding the cause of the disease is an important step toward understanding and managing its impacts.

The Department has established a technical advisory group composed of veterinarians and researchers and a public working group to discuss research and management questions and options, share information, and communicate with the public.