Hoof rot seems to be plaguing many Longview elk
By Tom Paulu
Longview Mayor Kurt Anagnostou said about half the elk he spots in his yard appear to be limping.
They're likely suffering from hoof rot, a condition with many causes that appears to be becoming more common.
Sandra Jonker, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife's regional wildlife manager, said her agency recently has been getting more reports about limping elk. Most of the calls are from around Longview and Chehalis.
Elk with hoof rot typically limp with their hind legs. "People might see bizarre growths on the hooves," Jonker said. "It looks like a club foot."
There are over 40 types of hoof rot, Jonker said. Some are caused by bacteria, others by nutritional deficiencies.
DFW biologists need to do more research to find out what variety of rot is plaguing local elk.
If it's a nutritional deficiency, it might be possible to help afflicted animals. If not, "it would be very hard to treat wild elk," she said.
Without knowing the type of hoof rot, the DFW can't say whether it's safe to eat meat from an elk with hoof rot or whether the condition can be passed to farm animals.
DFW biologist Pat Miller said hoof rot has afflicted Columbian white-tailed deer on the Julia Butler Hansen refuge near Cathlamet for decades. It's likely a leading cause of death for adult bucks there, he said.
