Immunological response of live-captured wild elk (<i>Cervus canadensis</i>) to Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease antigens.

ABSTRACT: A severe hoof disease is affecting wild elk (Cervus canadensis) in the Pacific Northwest. Causing lameness, tissue ulceration and necrosis, hoof overgrowth, and often loss of the hoof itself, bacteria from the genus Treponema are found at the forefront of the lesions. As part of a study evaluating survival and the ability of affected elk to raise young, lymphocytic responses to treponemal antigens were evaluated in live-captured female elk from the endemic area. Serum antibody titers correlated with disease severity and increased antigen-reactive B cells in peripheral blood when compared to healthy or naïve elk. However, we found no evidence that a high antibody titer reduced disease. T lymphocytic responses, CD4+ and CD8+, were mildly proliferative to treponemal antigen, cor

SUBMITTER: Wilson-Welder J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12917888 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature