Elk hoof disease could create inheritable molecular changes, WSU research indicates

PULLMAN, Washington (CBS2) — According to epigenetic research from Washington State University, Elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, previously thought to be limited to deformations in elks' hooves, appears to create molecular changes throughout the animal's system.

A recent news release from Washington State University says the findings also suggest those changes may be heritable. It is unknown whether subsequent generations of elk may be more or less prone to catching the disease.

Epigenetics are stable molecular processes that can influence how genes behave independently of the DNA sequence. The study now shows an organism's epigenetics can change from nutrition, environmental factors and infectious diseases.

This study is part of ongoing efforts by WSU researchers to understand elk treponeme-associated hoof disease. While the infectious disease is named after the treponeme bacteria, the researchers now believe it is likely caused by multiple bacteria.

WSU wildlife veterinarian Margaret Wild Wild's team is conducting studies on captive elk to see if they can pinpoint how it is transmitted. Then, they can start looking at factors such as diet that might change the animals' susceptibility to the disease.

The disease has not been detected in any wild species except for elk. WSU researchers are investigating whether there is a connection to bovine digital dermatitis, commonly found in cattle.

They are also using computer modeling to look at environmental factors such as soil type, moisture and geography to see if they can identify physical locations where elk are more likely to have the disease.