Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: salmosalar on July 05, 2023, 11:35:48 AM

Title: Hoof rot question
Post by: salmosalar on July 05, 2023, 11:35:48 AM: Does anyone know how long an elk with hoof rot can live? What would the range of lifespans be?

I can't find any information on it.
Title: Re: Hoof rot question
Post by: GOcougsHunter on July 05, 2023, 11:58:09 AM: Quote from: salmosalar on July 05, 2023, 11:35:48 AM
Does anyone know how long an elk with hoof rot can live? What would the range of lifespans be?

I can't find any information on it.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/01974/wdfw01974.pdf

It also appears as though the mortality depends on how severe the infection is and the ability for the animal to find suitable feed.
Title: Re: Hoof rot question
Post by: Remnar on July 05, 2023, 12:56:18 PM: They can live a long time if they don't die from the initial infection and don't have too harsh of an environment or succumb to a predator. If they survive the initial infection it can heal , but leave them crippled. Also depends on how many hooves they get it in . It definitely stacks the odds against them.
Title: Re: Hoof rot question
Post by: salmosalar on July 05, 2023, 02:39:27 PM: Thank you guys! i had not been able to find that paper. Lots of info there.

It does not seem to kill the animals nearly as quickly as I had thought. In fact, it seems that if there is enough food, they can reproduce even. Having seen limper herds, that came as a surprise.

I am also curious as to whether the limpers tend to congregate in certain areas (lowland, flat etc.)

Thank you for the information.
Title: Re: Hoof rot question
Post by: Lumpy Taters on July 05, 2023, 07:29:40 PM: Food is the biggest factor I have seen. If there is plenty of easy to get food with no pressure they can hang on a while. I have not seen many make more than a year. Typically get left behind by the heard and either starve or the infection takes them. Seen whole heards of 30 animals all die off in 1 to 2 years. I have not seen one recover yet.