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Sammanfattning

Semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are central to Sámi reindeer husbandry in Fennoscandia. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a painful and multifactorial eye disease in reindeer, associated with reduced welfare and practical challenges for herders. Knowledge is limited regarding the occurrence of IKC, associated pathogens, risk factors, and how ocular disease is perceived and managed in reindeer husbandry. This thesis aimed to investigate microorganisms and risk factors associated with IKC in reindeer, as well as herders’ perceptions and management of the disease. It is based on four studies: a questionnaire survey, a field study of conjunctival swab samples from reindeer with and without clinical signs, a virological study of parapoxvirus red deer, and an interview study exploring herders’ experiences of ocular disease. The results showed that IKC was commonly observed at herd level in Norway and Sweden, particularly during autumn and winter. Feeding in enclosures, especially during the challenging herding year 2019/2020, was associated with outbreaks, and calves were most frequently affected. Multiple pathogens were detected, including cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV2), Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Moraxella bovoculi, poxviruses, and several opportunistic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were associated with clinical signs of IKC. Chlamydia spp. was associated with conjunctivitis and cervidpoxvirus with periocular lesions. Parapoxvirus red deer was detected for the first time in reindeer, showing evidence of host adaptation and cross-species transmission. Ocular disease was primarily perceived as a herd-level threat, and management was strongly influenced by contextual factors such as labour, logistics, and access to veterinary support. Disease management was described as labourintensive and emotionally demanding, highlighting the need for improved communication, preparedness, and trust between herders, veterinarians, and other stakeholders.

Nyckelord

alphaherpesvirus; CvHV2; IKC; infectious keratoconjunctivitis; Rangifer; RDPV; reindeer husbandry; supplementary feeding; ocular disease

Publicerad i

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Sueciae
2026, nummer: 2026:27
Utgivare: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

SLU författare

UKÄ forskningsämne

Patobiologi
Husdjursvetenskap

Publikationens identifierare

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.54612/a.3gqi1id9uf
  • ISBN: 978-91-8124-244-7
  • eISBN: 978-91-8124-274-4

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/146432