Elk Hoof Disease 101

Elk Hoof Disease 101 – What You Need to Know About the

Disease Afflicting Elk in the Pacific Northwest and Beyond

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Finding an elk herd in the thick, fog-laced forests of Southwest Washington can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Rolling hills create countless pockets of concealment, often limiting visibility beyond 100 yards to clear-cuts and the sparse pasture or agricultural field. When a herd is found, it's not hard to get caught up in the excitement – we become absorbed in taking the whole herd in, only to have our attention stolen away when our eyes catch antlers. For many who don’t see elk regularly, it is easy to be swept away in the encounter and miss a subtle flaw in the picture. If the elk were bedded, you might not see it at all.

Treponeme associated hoof disease (TAHD), or simply elk hoof disease, is a bacterial disease that spreads from elk to elk and affects the hooves and fitness of those afflicted. While you’ll find plenty of theories about its emergence on forums, a conclusive determination has yet to be made. Claimed sightings date back to the late 1990s, though it remained only a slight concern until a major increase in reported cases in 2008 drove scientists to learn more about this emerging disease. Since then, hoof disease has spread beyond Washington to Oregon, Idaho, and most recently California in 2020. Despite hoof disease also being prevalent in livestock, there is no known cure.

While The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has maintained consistent studies on hoof disease, in 2017 action was taken to formalize independent research. It was in that year that the Washington State Legislature passed SB-5474 which assigned Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as the research lead for the state. Dr. Margaret Wild leads the research team and has since reached numerous milestones, including the construction of a permanent research facility and findings related to systemic impacts and the disease’s spread through soil. Through ongoing research, we will continue to improve our understanding and management of elk hoof disease.

According to WDFW’s 2023 Elk Status and Trend Summary, six out of ten of the Evergreen State’s herds have hoof disease listed as the most commonly cited concern for management. Close behind, hunter access and habitat conversion are the next most common concerns with both listed four times. While membership and contribution to organizations like Backcountry Hunters and Anglers assists the latter of the listed concerns, what can we do to address the former? WDFW is piloting a hunter-driven solution to answer that.   

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WDFW started an incentive program in 2021 in which western Washington elk hunters can turn in hooves to various collection sites. Following successful harvest, hunters use a bag and information sheet found at drop-off locations to submit. After collecting and evaluating the hooves, WDFW staff will enter eligible hunters into an exclusive draw opportunity for the following year. The intent is simple enough - if we target afflicted elk, we may limit the spread of the disease by reducing further contact. If hooves aren’t submitted, WDFW recommends leaving the hooves at the location of harvest to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, hunters can help by reporting elk sightings online and cleaning shoes and tires before leaving the field.

Elk hoof disease is an unfortunate reality that we live with today. While the state of the elk populations is a complex matter affected both positively and negatively by numerous factors, it isn’t hard to understand that such an affliction isn’t helping. Help our elk today by taking a step to learn more about hoof disease: ask friends and fellow hunters what they know about it, and then share the word.

Jacob Greenslade is Washington AFI’s Media Board Member, a Marine Corps veteran, and a conservation storyteller. He, his wife, and his two sons live in southwestern Washington where there is ample opportunity to enjoy nature. 

About Jacob Greenslade

AFI Volunteer / Marine Corps Veteran / Father and Husband / Photographer and Storyteller

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