Authors: Wilson-Welder Jennifer H, Mansfield Kristin, Han Sushan, Bayles Darrell O, Alt David P, Olsen Steven C
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease in Elk Since 2008, a transmissible infectious hoof disease affecting wild elk populations across the western United States has caused severe lesions at the coronary band with capacity to penetrate hoof horn, leading to lameness, deformity, and in severe cases complete hoof loss and death. Wilson-Welder and colleagues investigated whether this treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) could be experimentally transmitted using a sheep model of digital dermatitis; elk lesion homogenate was inoculated into 10 sheep, with lesion development monitored over seven weeks. Moderate to severe lesions developed in most inoculated feet by 2–4 weeks post-inoculation, with spirochetes identified in 16 of 18 feet by week 4, histopathology revealing characteristic neutrophilic inflammation and keratinocyte erosion identical to natural elk disease, and three Treponema phylotypes confirmed by PCR alongside overrepresented Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, and Clostridia species matching the inoculum microbiome. The findings definitively establish TAHD as a transmissible polymicrobial infection rather than an environmental response, with strong parallels to cattle digital dermatitis suggesting shared aetiological mechanisms. For equine practitioners, this research emphasises the zoonotic risk potential of treponeme-associated conditions and reinforces the importance of strict biosecurity protocols when handling animals with digital dermatitis or similar hoof lesions, particularly given the capacity of these anaerobic bacterial communities to establish rapidly and spread between hosts.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Elk hoof disease is caused by transmissible treponeme species and associated anaerobic bacteria similar to cattle digital dermatitis, suggesting shared management and prevention strategies may be applicable across species
- •The infectious nature of this disease means biosecurity measures, proper hoof hygiene, and early detection are critical to prevent spread in wild and domestic animal populations
- •Current understanding of digital dermatitis treatment and prevention in cattle may inform management approaches for this emerging elk disease
Key Findings
- •Elk hoof disease lesion material successfully transmitted to sheep model, with 16 of 18 feet developing moderate to severe lesions by 4 weeks post-inoculation
- •Three Treponema phylotypes and anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Clostridia) were identified in lesions, matching the bacterial community structure of the original elk inoculum
- •Histopathology confirmed spirochetes at lesion margins with neutrophilic infiltrates and keratinocyte erosion, consistent with elk disease presentation
- •Infected sheep developed increased anti-Treponema IgG antibodies, confirming immunological response to infectious agent