When considering an elk (Cervus elaphus) restoration program, wildlife mana
gers must evaluate the positive and negative elements of translocation. We
prepared this protocol to give an overview of health considerations associa
ted with translocation of elk, with an emphasis on movement of free-ranging
elk from western North America to the southeastern USA. We evaluated infec
tious agents and ectoparasites reported in elk from two perspectives. First
, we made a qualitative estimate of the ability of the agent to be introduc
ed and to become established. This was done using a selected set of epidemi
ologic factors. Second, if there was a good possibility that the organism c
ould become established in the release area, the potential pathological con
sequences for elk and other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans were ass
essed via examination of the literature and consultation with other animal
health specialists. The results of these evaluations were used to classify
infectious agents and ectoparasites as low risk (n = 174), unknown risk (n
= 10), and high risk (n = 9). We classified Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma
ovis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Pasteurella multocida serotype 3, Ela
phostrongylus cervi, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fascioloides magna, Echinoco
ccus granulosus, Dermacentor albipictus, and Otobius megnini as unknown ris
ks. High risk infectious agents and ectoparasites were the agent of chronic
wasting disease, Brucella abortus, Mycobacterium bovis, Dermacentor anders
oni, Ixodes pacificus, and Psoroptes sp. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, Elaeop
hora schneideri, and a Babesia sp. are parasites endemic in the southeaster
n USA that may present a "reverse risk" and adversely affect elk if release
d in some parts of the region. We developed a five-component protocol to re
duce the risk of introduction of high risk infectious agents and ectoparasi
tes that included: (1) evaluation of the health status of source population
s, (2) quarantines, (3) physical examination and diagnostic testing, (4), r
estrictions on translocation of animals from certain geographic areas or po
pulations, and (5) prophylactic treatment.