The Experts below are selected from a list of 7014 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Stan Boutin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
comparison of pre fire and post fire space use reveals varied responses by woodland caribou Rangifer Tarandus caribou in the boreal shield
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2020Co-Authors: Joseph Silva, Arthur R Rodgers, Scott E Nielsen, Philip D Mcloughlin, C Hague, Stan BoutinAbstract:By regulating successional dynamics in Canada’s boreal forest, fires can affect the distribution of the Threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer Tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)). Caribou tend to avoid...
-
influence of in situ oil sands development on caribou Rangifer Tarandus movement
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Robert Serrouya, Tyler B Muhly, Eric W Neilson, Stan BoutinAbstract:In-situ oil sands development (ISD) involves a network of facilities, wells, roads and pipelines to extract and transport subsurface bitumen. This technology is rapidly expanding and there is uncertainty whether ISDs restrict animal movement, leading to increased extinction probabilities for some wide-ranging species. Here we test for effects of simulated future (i.e., 50 years from now) and current ISDs on simulated movements of woodland caribou (Rangifer Tarandus), a threatened species across North America. In simulations of future scenarios, we varied the spacing and permeability of ISDs and the presence/absence of protected areas. Permeability was measured as the number of times simulated caribou crossed ISDs with different levels of modelled permeability. We estimated the effects of these factors on caribou step length and annual home range size, key metrics of small and large spatiotemporal scales of movement, respectively. Current caribou crossings of above-ground pipeline features of ISDs were measured using camera traps and compared to expected caribou crossing rates based on present-day caribou movement simulations. Current crossing rates were evaluated within the context of predicted future crossing success rates necessary to maintain caribou step lengths and home ranges. With few exceptions, permeability across ISDs was the main factor affecting caribou movement, more so than spacing between developments or the presence of protected areas. However, minimal permeability (crossing rates of c. 15% to 60%, relative to an undisturbed site was needed to maintain existing home range size and step lengths. The effect of permeability on home range size and step length was non-linear, suggesting that small increases in permeability would provide a disproportionately greater benefit to caribou movement. Our predictions demonstrate that maintaining permeability across ISDs is more important than spacing between leases or including protected areas, and thus provides clear direction for mitigation efforts for features that will exist on the landscape for decades to come.
-
managing wolves canis lupus to recover threatened woodland caribou Rangifer Tarandus caribou in alberta
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2014Co-Authors: Dave Hervieux, Mark Hebblewhite, Dave Stepnisky, Michelle Bacon, Stan BoutinAbstract:Across Canada, woodland caribou (Rangifer Tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) populations are declining because of human-induced changes to food webs that are resulting in apparent competition-induced increases in predator-caused caribou mortality. We tested the hypothesis that wolf (Canis lupus L., 1758) population reduction could reverse declines in a woodland caribou population following a BACI (before-after-control-impact) design conducted over a 12-year period in west-central Alberta, Canada. We monitored annual survival for 172 adult female caribou and calf recruitment from 2000 through 2012 and conducted a provincial government delivered wolf population reduction program annually during the winters of 2005-2006 to 2012 (inclusive) in an area centered on the Little Smoky range. Wolf removal translated to a 4.6% increase in mean population growth rate of the Little Smoky population mostly through improvements in calf recruitment. In contrast, the Red Rock Prairie Creek control population exhibited a 4.7% decline. Although the wolf population reduction program appeared to stabilize the Little Smoky population, it did not lead to population increase, however, with remaining approximately equal to 1. Therefore, we recommend, if required, predation management be combined with effective habitat conservation and long-term planning to effect the recovery of species, such as woodland caribou, which are declining as a result of habitat-mediated apparent competition.
Susan J. Kutz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
variables associated with besnoitia tarandi prevalence and cyst density in barren ground caribou Rangifer Tarandus populations
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Julie Ducrocq, Susan J. Kutz, Guy Beauchamp, Manon Simard, Joelle Taillon, Steeve D Cote, Vincent Brodeur, Stephane LairAbstract:Besnoitia tarandi has been documented in free-ranging reindeer and caribou (Rangifer Tarandus spp.) since 1922 throughout their arctic and subarctic ranges; however, very little is known about its epidemiology. We evaluated variables associated with B. tarandi prevalence and cyst density with the use of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer Tarandus) from two migratory herds in northern Quebec: the Riviere-aux-Feuilles and the Riviere-George herds. Diagnosis of infection was made upon the microscopic observation of characteristic cysts in a formalin-fixed section of skin from the anterior aspect of the metatarsus. The density of cysts (number of B. tarandi cysts/mm2) was calculated in a section of the dermis extending from the epidermis of the skin to the base of the hair follicles and adnexal structures. Statistically significant associations between B. tarandi prevalence and cyst density, sex, age, and time of harvest were observed. Male caribou had a slightly higher prevalence compared to females, whereas cy...
-
linear enamel hypoplasia in caribou Rangifer Tarandus groenlandicus a potential tool to assess population health
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2012Co-Authors: Alasdair Veitch, Sylvia Checkley, Howard Dobson, Susan J. KutzAbstract:We studied the presence of linear enamel hypoplasias (LEHs; tooth defects associated with physiological stress) in caribou (Rangifer Tarandus). A timeline of tooth enamel development was determined by radiographic examination of 48 mandibles from caribou aged 3–24 months old. We examined mandibles from the Bluenose East (n = 56) and Bluenose West (n = 15) caribou herds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada, for LEHs and 21.1% (15/71) were affected. We concluded that LEHs do occur in caribou and tracking these over time may provide a tool to track population dynamics in extant wildlife. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
-
obligate larval inhibition of ostertagia gruehneri in Rangifer Tarandus causes and consequences in an arctic system
Parasitology, 2012Co-Authors: Bryanne M Hoar, Alexander G Eberhardt, Susan J. KutzAbstract:Larval inhibition is a common strategy of Trichostrongylidae nematodes that may increase survival of larvae during unfavourable periods and concentrate egg production when conditions are favourable for development and transmission. We investigated the propensity for larval inhibition in a population of Ostertagia gruehneri, the most common gastrointestinal Trichostrongylidae nematode of Rangifer Tarandus . Initial experimental infections of 4 reindeer with O. gruehneri sourced from the Bathurst caribou herd in Arctic Canada suggested that the propensity for larval inhibition was 100%. In the summer of 2009 we infected 12 additional reindeer with the F 1 and F 2 generations of O. gruehneri sourced from the previously infected reindeer to further investigate the propensity of larval inhibition. The reindeer were divided into 2 groups and half were infected before the summer solstice (17 June) and half were infected after the solstice (16 July). Reindeer did not shed eggs until March 2010, i.e. 8 and 9 months post-infection. These results suggest obligate larval inhibition for at least 1 population of O. gruehneri , a phenomenon that has not been conclusively shown for any other trichostrongylid species. Obligate inhibition is likely to be an adaptation to both the Arctic environment and to a migratory host and may influence the ability of O. gruehneri to adapt to climate change.
-
physiological and behavioural effects of hypoxemia in reindeer Rangifer Tarandus immobilised with xylazine etorphine
Animal Production Science, 2011Co-Authors: Tara E Risling, Asa Fahlman, Nigel Caulkett, Susan J. KutzAbstract:This study examined the physiological effects of xylazine-etorphine (XE) immobilisation in reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus), as well as post-immobilisation recovery and behaviour. Six reindeer weighing 105 ± 18 kg (mean ± s.d.) were immobilised via remote delivery of XE into the hind limb musculature. The animals were immobilised for 30 min on two separate occasions, and a randomised crossover design was used to assign nasal oxygen (O2) or unsupplemented air to each animal. Arterial blood gases were collected and analysed at zero (time of arterial catheter placement), 5, 10, 20 and 30 min. Heart rate and respiratory rate, temperature, and arterial blood pressure were monitored every 5 min. After 30 min, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone hydrochloride and tolazoline hydrochloride. The animals underwent behavioural testing (time required to navigate a novel maze) to assess cognitive function pre- and post-immobilisation. Significantly higher arterial O2 tension levels were seen in O2-supplemented animals (range 95–313 mmHg) compared with unsupplemented animals (range 26–70 mmHg). Hypoxemic animals had elevated heart rates and lactate levels compared with normoxemic. Immobilisation had a significant effect on the animals’ ability to navigate a novel maze.
-
prevalence of toxoplasma gondii antibodies in barren ground caribou Rangifer Tarandus groenlandicus from the canadian arctic
Journal of Parasitology, 2001Co-Authors: Susan J. Kutz, Brett Elkin, D Panayi, J P DubeyAbstract:Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was determined in 147 barren-ground caribou (Rangifer Tarandus groenlandicus) from 5 herds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, northern Canada, by the modified agglutination test (MAT). In the mainland herds (Bluenose, Bathurst, and Beverly), antibodies were found in 43 (37%) of 117 caribou, and MAT titers were 1:25 in 10, 1:50 in 24, and 1:500 in 9. In the island herds, only 1 (4.3%) of 23 animals sampled from the North Baffin Island herd was positive (titer = 1:25) and no antibodies were detected in 7 caribou from the Dolphin and Union herd. The high prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in the mainland caribou herds indicates that caribou meat may contain viable T. gondii.
Jon M Arnemo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
thiafentanil azaperone xylazine and carfentanil xylazine immobilizations of free ranging caribou Rangifer Tarandus granti in alaska usa
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Kimberlee B Beckmen, Jon M Arnemo, Marianne Lian, Torsten W Bentzen, Dominic J DemmaAbstract:Carfentanil-xylazine (CX) has been the primary drug combination used for immobilizing free-ranging ungulates in Alaska, US since 1986. We investigated the efficacy of a potential new drug of choice, thiafentanil (Investigational New Animal Drug A-3080). Captive trials indicated that thiafentanil-azaperone-medetomidine could provide good levels of immobilization. However, field trials conducted in October 2013 on free-ranging caribou ( Rangifer Tarandus granti) calves showed the combination too potent, causing three respiratory arrests and one mortality. The protocol was revised to thiafentanil-azaperone-xylazine (TAX), with good results. The induction time was not significantly different between the two combinations. However, the recovery time was significantly shorter for the TAX group than for the CX group. A physiologic evaluation was performed on 12 animals immobilized on CX and 15 animals on TAX. Arterial blood was collected after induction and again after 10 min of intranasal oxygen supplements (1 L/min). Both groups had significant increases in partial pressure of arterial oxygen after oxygen treatment. There was a concurrent significant increase in partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide in both groups. Rectal temperature increased significantly in both groups during the downtime, which is consistent with other studies of potent opioids in ungulates. On the basis of our results, we found TAX to be a potential alternative for the current CX protocol for immobilizing free-ranging caribou calves via helicopter darting.
-
biochemical and hematologic reference values for free ranging chemically immobilized wild norwegian reindeer Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus during early winter
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Jon M Arnemo, Andrea L Miller, Alina L EvansAbstract:Hematologic and serum biochemistry values were evaluated in free-ranging, wild Norwegian reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) as part of a reintroduction program in southwestern Norway in November 1995 and 1996. Animals were immobilized with medetomidine-ketamine by dart from a helicopter. Blood was drawn for serum chemistry from 31 adults (nine males and 22 females) and for hematology from 29 adults (eight males and 21 females). Significant differences (P<0.05) were found between male and female results for alkaline phosphatase, selenium, and zinc. Although there was a significant difference between male and female gamma-globulin values and the total albumin:globulin ratio, the overall values are much lower than those reported for other Rangifer species. Sexual differences should be interpreted with caution due to the low number of males compared to females. References ranges are presented combining male and female results for hematology and serum chemistry and separately for males and females for serum electrophoresis. No correlation was found between induction time and aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, glucose, cortisol, or total protein. Blood values were generally similar to those published for semidomestic reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) and free-ranging caribou (Rangifer Tarandus caribou), but the effect of capture drugs, stress, season, and sample size should be considered with interpretation. This paper provides the first report of baseline hematologic and serum biochemistry reference ranges for free-ranging, wild Norwegian reindeer during early winter.
-
effective immobilizing doses of medetomidine ketamine in free ranging wild norwegian reindeer Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Jon M Arnemo, Andrea L Miller, Alina L Evans, Oystein OsAbstract:Combinations of medetomidine and ketamine were evaluated in free-ranging, wild Norwegian reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) as part of a reintroduction program in southwestern Norway in November 1995 and November 1996. The drugs were administered by dart from a helicopter. The mean (SD) effective immobilizing doses for 29 adults (8 males, 21 females) were 0.21 (0.04) mg medetomidine/kg and 1.0 (0.2) mg ketamine/ kg based on estimated body mass. There was no significant difference in mean induction times between males and females. However, animals with optimal hits (shoulder or thigh muscles; n=16) had a significantly shorter (P<0.05) mean induction time than did animals with suboptimal hits (abdomen or flank; n=13), 5.6 (2.2) min and 11.1 (4.7) min, respectively. Inductions were calm, and immobilized animals were maintained in sternal recumbency. Clinical side effects included hypoxemia and hyperthermia in most animals. For reversal, all animals received 5 mg atipamezole per mg medetomidine, half intra...
-
reversible immobilization of free ranging svalbard reindeer Rangifer Tarandus platyrhynchus with medetomidine ketamine and atipamezole
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2009Co-Authors: Jon M Arnemo, Ronny AanesAbstract:Twenty adult, free-ranging, female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus platyrhynchus) were immobilized with medetomidine-ketamine from 30 September through 9 October 1999 at Svalbard, Norway (78°55'N, 11°56'E). The animals were approached on foot, and the drugs were administered into the heavy muscles of the shoulder or the thigh by dart syringe injection from 15–25 m. The mean (SD) induction time in 10 animals immobilized with 0.113 (0.009) mg/kg of medetomidine and 2.26 (0.19) mg/kg of ketamine (group 2) was significantly shorter (P<0.05) than in 10 animals immobilized with 0.215 (0.043) mg/kg of medetomidine and 1.08 (0.21) mg/kg of ketamine (group 1): 6.5 (3.2) versus 14.3 (10.6) min, respectively. Inductions were calm, major clinical side effects were not detected, and there were no significant differences between groups regarding rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, or relative arterial oxygen saturation. The 5 mg of atipamezole/1 mg of medetomidine were given half intramuscularly and ...
-
reversal of medetomidine induced sedation in reindeer Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus with atipamezole increases the medetomidine concentration in plasma
Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 1997Co-Authors: Birgit Ranheim, Tor Einar Horsberg, U Nymoen, N E Soli, Nicholas J. C. Tyler, Jon M ArnemoAbstract:The pharmacokinetics of two potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agents that can be used for immobilization (medetomidine) and reversal (atipamezole) of the sedation in mammals, were studied in three reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) in winter and again in summer. Medetomidine (60 micrograms/kg) was injected intravenously (i.v.), followed by atipamezole (300 micrograms/kg) intravenously 60 min later. Drug concentrations in plasma were measured by HPLC. The administration of atipamezole resulted in an immediate 2.5-3.5 fold increase in the medetomidine concentration in plasma. Clearance for medetomidine (median 19.3 mL/min.kg) was lower than clearance for atipamezole (median 31.0 mL/min.kg). The median elimination half-lives of medetomidine and atipamezole in plasma were 76.1 and 59.9 min, respectively. The animals became resedated 0.5-1 h after the reversal with atipamezole. Resedation may be explained by the longer elimination half-life of medetomidine compared to atipamezole.
Morten Tryland - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Experimental parapoxvirus infection (contagious ecthyma) in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus).
Veterinary microbiology, 2012Co-Authors: Morten Tryland, Antti Oksanen, Jörn Klein, Therese Berger, Terje D Josefsen, Carlos G Das Neves, Kjetil ÅsbakkAbstract:Contagious ecthyma (contagious pustular dermatitis, orf) occurs world-wide in sheep and goats and is caused by orf virus (genus Parapoxvirus, family Poxviridae). Contagious ecthyma outbreaks have been described in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) in Sweden, Finland and Norway, occasionally with high mortality. Fourteen one-year-old reindeer were corralled in mid-April. One week after arrival, two animals received a commercial live orf virus vaccine for sheep (Scabivax(®)) on scarified skin of the medial thigh. Four weeks later, the two vaccinated and six additional animals were inoculated in scarified oral mucosa with parapoxvirus obtained from reindeer with clinical contagious ecthyma. The remaining six reindeer were kept as sentinels, sharing feed and water with the inoculated animals. A small whitish lesion appeared on the inoculation site and the labial skin-mucosa junction of three animals five days post inoculation (p.i.). Twelve days p.i., typical ecthyma lesions were visible on the inoculation site in six of eight animals, including both vaccinees. Four inoculated animals (including both vaccinees) and one sentinel seroconverted 12 days p.i., and five animals (including one sentinel) seroconverted 20 days p.i. No contagious ecthyma-like lesions were detected in the sentinels. All animals were euthanized at 26-29 days p.i. Histological examination of lesions showed proliferative dermatitis with epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, intra-epithelial pustules and ulcers. Orf virus DNA was detected in mandibular lymph nodes, tonsils and mucosal lesions of four animals, including one sentinel, which showed that virus transmission took place. The commercial orf virus vaccine may be difficult to administer due to the need for close-cropping and its zoonotic nature, and did not indicate significant protection, although the latter has to be verified with a larger number of animals.
-
characterisation of parapoxviruses isolated from norwegian semi domesticated reindeer Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus
Virology Journal, 2005Co-Authors: Joern Klein, Morten TrylandAbstract:Background Two outbreaks of the disease contagious ecthyma were reported in 1999 and 2000 in Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus). Contagious ecthyma is an epidermal disease of sheep and goats worldwide, which is caused by the zoonotic parapoxvirus orf virus. Characterisation of clinical samples from the two outbreaks in semi-domesticated reindeer in Norway by electron microscopy and PCR (B2L) revealed typical parapoxvirus particles and partial gene sequences corresponding to parapoxvirus, respectively. If contagious ecthyma in reindeer is caused by orf virus, the virus may be transferred from sheep and goats, via people, equipment and common use of pastures and corrals, to reindeer. Another possibility is that contagious ecthyma in reindeer is caused by a hitherto unclassified member of the parapoxvirus genus that circulates among reindeer herds and remains endemic in Norway.
-
Evidence of parapox-, alphaherpes- and pestivirus infections in carcasses of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) from Finnmark, Norway
Septentrio Academic Publishing, 2005Co-Authors: Morten Tryland, Torill Mørk, Kathrine A. Ryeng, Karen Kristine SørensenAbstract:During March to May 2000, 48 carcasses of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) were collected on winter pastures and calving grounds from two herds in western Finnmark and two herds in eastern Finnmark, northern Norway. The animals were autopsied and blood and tissue samples were collected for serology (alphaherpes- and pestivirus; virus neutralization test) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR; parapoxvirus; B2L gene) investigations. Autopsy revealed that 39 of 48 animals (81%) had died of emaciation. Parapoxvirus-specific DNA was detected in samples from 6 of 48 animals (12.5%; liver, parotid salivary gland and/or pulmonary lymph nodes). A DNA sequence of 376 base pairs from a PCR amplicon obtained from a liver sample from one animal showed 98-99% identity with orf virus strain Orf-11 and reindeer parapoxvirus isolates from Norway and Finland (1992 and 1994), 92-93% similarity with pseudocowpoxvirus and 87% similarity with bovine papular stomatitis virus. Alphaherpes- and pestivirus antibodies were detected in 10% and 33% of the animals, respectively. These results indicates that parapoxvirus, presumably orf-virus, is present among reindeer also in Finnmark, although contagious ecthyma has never been reported in reindeer in this important reindeer herding area. Furthermore, they show that herpes- and pestiviruses are still endemic in reindeer herds in Finnmark. The nature of these viruses and their impact on reindeer health and reproduction and reindeer herding economy should be further addressed, as well as the possibility that these viruses may be transferred between reindeer and domestic animals in this region. Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: I løpet av perioden mars-mai 2000 ble 48 reinsdyrkadavre (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) samlet inn fra vinterbeiter og kalvingsområder fra to flokker i Vest-Finnmark og to i Øst-Finnmark, Norge. Dyrene ble obdusert, og blod og vevsprøver ble samlet for påvisning av antistoffer mot alfaherpes- og pestivirus i blod(serologi) og tilstedeværelse av parapoxvirus-DNA i vev (Polymerase kjedereaksjon, PCR; parapoxvirus B2L genet). Obduksjonen viste at 39 av de 48 dyrene (81%) hadde dødd av avmagring. Parapoxvirus-spesifikt DNA ble funnet i prøver av lever, spyttkjertel (Gl. parotis) og/eller lungelymfeknuter fra 6 av de 48 dyrene (12,5%). En DNA sekvens på 376 basepar fra PCR-oppformeringsproduktet fra en leverprøve hadde 98-99% likhet med orf-virus (Orf-11) og parapoxvirus isolert fra reinsdyr i Norge og Finland (1992 og 1994), 92-93% likhet med pseudocowpoxvirus og 87% likhet med bovint papulær stomatittvirus, hvorav de to siste parapoxvirusartene er assosiert med storfé. Disse resultatene viser at også reinsdyr i Finnmark er infisert av parapoxvirus, til tross for at sykdommen munnskurv ikke ennå er rapportert hos rein i dette fylket. Alfaherpes- og pestivirus antistoffer ble funnet hos henholdsvis 10% og 33% av dyrene. Dette er i samsvar med tidligere funn på slaktedyr, og viser at disse virusinfeksjonene er endemiske hos rein i Finnmark. Det er viktig å avklare hvilken rolle disse virusinfeksjonene spiller for reinsdyrenes helse og næringens økonomi. Videre bør det avklares i hvilken grad disse virustypene er i stand til å smitte mellom rein og husdyr
Hannu Ylönen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Acute impacts of the deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) infestation on reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) behaviour
Parasitology Research, 2014Co-Authors: Sanna-mari Kynkäänniemi, Maria Kettu, Raine Kortet, Laura Härkönen, Arja Kaitala, Tommi Paakkonen, Anne-mari Mustonen, Petteri Nieminen, Sauli Härkönen, Hannu YlönenAbstract:Blood-sucking ectoparasites have often a strong impact on the behaviour of their hosts. The annual insect harassment of reindeer ( Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus ) has increased in the southern part of the Finnish reindeer herding area because of the recent invasion of a blood-feeding ectoparasitic louse-fly, the deer ked ( Lipoptena cervi ). We studied the impact of the deer ked on the behaviour of reindeer. Twelve reindeer were infested with a total of 300 keds/reindeer on six occasions in a 5-week period during the deer ked flight season in autumn, while six non-infested reindeer were used as controls. Behavioural patterns indicating potential stress were monitored by visual observation from August to December. The infested reindeer displayed more incidences of restless behaviour than the controls. Shaking and scratching were the most common forms of restless behaviour after infestation of deer keds. Increased grooming was also observed after the transplantation and also later, 1 month after the infestation. Based on the results, the deer ked infestation can cause acute behavioural disturbance in reindeer and, thus, could pose a potential threat to reindeer welfare. Antiparasitic treatment with, e.g. ivermectin, may increase the welfare of parasitized reindeer by reducing deer keds. If the deer ked infestation intensity on the reindeer herding area increases and restless behaviour of reindeer becomes more common, the present results can help in further evaluation of the duration and magnitude of behavioural changes.
-
threat of an invasive parasitic fly the deer ked lipoptena cervi to the reindeer Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus experimental infection and treatment
Annales Zoologici Fennici, 2010Co-Authors: Sanna-mari Kynkäänniemi, Raine Kortet, Laura Härkönen, Arja Kaitala, Tommi Paakkonen, Anne-mari Mustonen, Petteri Nieminen, Sauli Härkönen, Hannu Ylönen, Sauli LaaksonenAbstract:Range expansion of ectoparasites can cause parasites to attack new host species. In these cases it is important for the parasite to be able to adapt to the new environment and to reproduce on the host. For the host, it is crucial to hinder successfully the development of long-lasting parasitic relationship. The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is a novel ectoparasite for northern cervids. We investigated if the deer ked can use the reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus) as a host and, if it can, whether antiparasitic treatment against this parasite would be available. Three groups of reindeer were monitored: two groups of 6 reindeer were infected with 300 flies per each individual; a control group comprised 6 animals. One of the infected groups was treated with subcutaneous ivermectin. At the end of the experiment the infestation rate of the infected animals was low. The reindeer in the non-treated group had both live and dead deer keds and also a single pupa while the ivermectin-treated reindeer had only dead deer keds....
