Hoof rot not a reason to cull elk

Published 8:00 pm Thursday, October 25, 2018

There has been conflicting information regarding hoof disease in elk stated in the newspaper, and on Facebook recently. Wanting to know the truth, I called the Tillamook office of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department. The gentleman I spoke with was patient and informative.

As I understand it, there is a potential precursor to hoof rot disease that is called slipper foot disease. This is apparently found in less than 1 percent of any herd, and has many possible causes. He stated that this is not worrisome, and is regarded as fairly normal, i.e. not something that requires intervention.

Hoof rot disease is a different entity. It is thought to be caused by a treponeme bacteria. To their knowledge, hoof rot disease is not found in the Clatsop County herds, obviously including the elk in Gearhart. Consequently, this would not constitute a reason to cull or destroy elk in Clatsop County.

Sharon Kloepfer

Gearhart