The First Case of Treponema Associated Hoof Disease Has Been Confirmed in Idaho
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.13.19
Unfortunately, a case of Treponema Associated Hoof Disease – also known as Elk Hoof Disease – has been confirmed in an elk harvested in Idaho last year. This is the first confirmed case of Treponema Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) within the state.
TAHD is a relatively new condition in elk that was first recognized in Washington back in 2000. Since then, the condition has been identified in multiple elk herds in Washington, and in 2014, it was found in Northwest Oregon. Samples from the elk in Idaho were sent to a group of researchers closely involved with the project for “definitive diagnosis and testing,” Local News 8 reports.
TAHD is caused by a spirochete bacterium that causes hoof abnormalities and lameness in elk. While TAHD is not a bacteria associated with domestic livestock, Fish and Game is coordinating with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture on the issue.
In a news release, Idaho Fish and Game points out “information about how this bacterium is transferred between animals, what other animals may be susceptible to it, and the potential impacts on wildlife populations are not well understood, but research on the disease continues.” Because of this, IDFG will be increasing surveillance for TAHD in Idaho, and the department will be distributing more information to the public to enlist its help reporting elk that appear to have trouble walking, or that have odd-looking hooves.
People can report incidents online or call Fish and Game’s Wildlife Health Laboratory at (208) 939-9171.
