Neurologic disease in reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus) introduced into Ontario

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Anderson, Roy C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1971
• Subjects: Dougherty; Norway; Rangifer tarandus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z71-025; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z71-025

In May, 1969, a small herd of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) from Norway was placed in a recently enclosed area formerly inhabited by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The animals subsequently developed signs of neurologic disease. An analysis of clinical and pathologic findings, as well as a consideration of the history of the introduction, indicates the reindeer became infected in June with meningeal worm (Pneumostrongylus tenuis Dougherty, 1945) harbored by molluscs which had survived during the winter in the enclosure.