Gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): A review focusing on Fennoscandia

• Published in: Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
• Main Authors: Jokelainen, Pikka, Moroni, Barbara, Hoberg, Eric, Oksanen, Antti, Laaksonen, Sauli
• Other Authors: Departments of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology, Veterinary Biosciences, Antti Sukura / Principal Investigator, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Science B.V. 2020
• Subjects: Reindeer; Gastrointestinal parasites; Fennoscandia; Protozoa; Nematodes; Cestodes; 1183 Plant biology; microbiology; virology; 413 Veterinary science; Norway; Rangifer; Rangifer tarandus
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10138/316309

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are known to host a wide variety of parasites, including those in the gastrointestinal system. Here, we review the current knowledge of the main gastrointestinal parasites of reindeer focusing on northern Fennoscandia, which comprises parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. We explore both the historical baseline data for diversity and distribution and recent advancements in our understanding of parasite faunas in reindeer across this region. It is evident that the balance between reindeer and their gastrointestinal parasites, along with the potential for emergent disease in the changing world warrants careful monitoring and further studies. Peer reviewed