In Canada, the whole-herd test is required every three years. Regular testing is a necessity because so few elk are slaughtered. At the present time, there is one elk herd in the U.S. which may have TB, but it is under quarantine. Canada's farmed elk and cattle herds are both currently considered to be free of tuberculosis and brucellosis. Handling facilities and fencing requirements for elk are more substantial than those required for cattle.
Elk are more athletic and excitable.
The well-constructed steel facilities of a modern auction mart are not a lot different from those required for elk, but most small cattle operations can manage safely with facilities which cost one third to one half of what facilities for a small elk operation will cost. They both handle as herd animals, following a leader and preferring some company at all times. While cattle work well in facilities with solid walls, elk prefer to be able to see all around them. To accommodate this need, elk facilities are built with horizontal plank walls and spaces between the planks. Good stockmanship is the key.