Swollen limb in caribou

Observation by Constantine Johnson:

A lone caribou spotted with a swollen joint on its front leg. I wanted to share this picture of a caribou in our area (Koliganek) south 5 miles out. I’ve heard of brucella in our Mulchatna herd but I haven’t witnessed it in person I happened to bump into this lone caribou it stayed in one area for a while according to the tracks it had in the snow, she stayed in 1 spot eating. I haven’t seen any other tracks around. It had a tough time moving and running. The location is south 7 miles from Koliganek not far from a creek we call Sevanaq (sev-an-ak). Not sure about the spelling.

Here are the coordinates: N 59.632336 degrees W 157.296445 degrees

Comment by LEO editors:

This observation was shared with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, Environmental Health department.

Comment by Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen:

The photo is a ‘classic’ appearance for Brucellosis infection in caribou. ADFG is studying the potential impacts of Brucellosis in the Mulchatna as well as other caribou herds. It would help in these efforts if citizens would promptly report any sightings of caribou, either live, dead or harvested, directly to ADFG can respond as appropriate. That might mean collecting samples, helping with information on safe butchering/handling practices, and particularly surveillance for the prevalence of active infection. Reports can be made via email, to dfg.dwc.vet@alaska.gov or call the local ADFG office. More information about Brucellosis and caribou disease can be found on our webpage, https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=disease.general3