Washington State University will now lead the charge on hoof rot research, after a $3 Million funding allocation from state legislature.
The disease, which affects elk in both Washington and Oregon, creates painful deformities in the hooves of elk that leads to a severe limp in their gate.
Researchers believe that the disease is similar in nature to hoof rot found in domestic livestock, but a reasonable and effective treatment for the free-ranging elk has yet to be found.
While many groups and teams have continued to research the disease, little progress has been made.