Transmission and lesion progression of treponeme-associated hoof disease in captive elk (Cervus canadensis).
Authors: Robinson Zachary B, Shah Devendra H, Taylor Kyle R, Wild Margaret A
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease in Elk Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) has emerged as a significant welfare concern in free-ranging elk populations across the northwestern United States, yet its transmissibility and progression remain poorly characterised. Robinson and colleagues conducted a controlled challenge study in captive elk, applying soil-borne inoculum from TAHD-affected hooves to the interdigital spaces of four treatment animals over an eight-week period, whilst monitoring gross and histological lesion development across a 308-day study window. All treatment elk developed characteristic lesions harbouring treponeme phylotypes similar to those identified in bovine digital dermatitis, progressing from initial ulceration to severe hoof capsule underrunning within 173 days, whilst controls remained unaffected—establishing conclusively that TAHD is environmentally transmissible. Lameness correlated strongly with lesion severity (R = 0.702), accompanied by measurably reduced activity and compromised body condition that persisted even during the post-challenge monitoring period, ultimately necessitating euthanasia in three of four infected animals. For equine and camelid professionals, this research underscores that treponeme-associated hoof conditions warrant consideration of infectious transmission pathways; implementation of hygiene protocols, segregation strategies, and environmental management in facilities housing susceptible species could meaningfully reduce disease incidence and progression.
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Practical Takeaways
- •TAHD is environmentally transmissible and can persist in soil; biosecurity measures including pen sanitation and isolation of affected animals should be prioritized in elk management.
- •Progressive hoof lesions lead to severe lameness and systemic decline (reduced body condition); early detection through regular hoof inspections is critical for humane management decisions.
- •The disease shares treponeme species with bovine digital dermatitis; cross-species transmission risk and shared management protocols warrant investigation.
Key Findings
- •All 4 treatment elk developed TAHD lesions following environmental inoculation with treponeme-containing soil, while 0 of 2 control elk developed disease, confirming transmissibility.
- •Lesion progression occurred from interdigital ulceration (35 days) to extensive hoof capsule underrunning (173 days post-inoculation).
- •Lameness correlated strongly with lesion development (R = 0.702, p ≤ 0.001) and infected elk showed reduced activity during both challenge and monitoring periods.
- •Three of 4 infected elk reached humane endpoints requiring euthanasia; treponeme phylotypes matched those found in bovine digital dermatitis.