First detection of a cervidpoxvirus in Europe—disease occurrence in semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer ( <i>Rangifer tarandus tarandus</i> ) in Norway and Sweden
This study documents the first detection of a Cervidpoxvirus in Europe, causing disease in semi-domesticated reindeer in Norway and Sweden. It identifies the causative agent and describes the disease characteristics of this previously unknown condition in reindeer, advancing our understanding of how this virus impacts reindeer health and welfare. Given the cultural and ecological importance of reindeer herding in Fennoscandia, understanding this disease is crucial for safeguarding the livelihoods of Sámi communities. Additionally, the study raises important questions about the role of ecosystem changes, climate-driven insect dynamics, and potential reservoir hosts in facilitating disease outbreaks. These findings underscore the broader implications of environmental change on animal health and highlight the need for continued research to mitigate risks posed by emerging infectious diseases (EIDs).
Authors
- Faisal Suhel
- Bjørn Spilsberg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8579-4089)
- Tomas Jinnerot (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0040-0090)
- Torill Mørk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4518-7152)
- Hiroko Kato Solvang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0330-4670)
- Øivind Øines (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8661-9765)
- Renate Thorvaldsen
- Cathrine Arnason Bøe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6834-0460)
- Morten Tryland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5394-5196)
- Jonas Johansson Wensman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6957-7110)
- Javier Sánchez Romano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8305-7947)
- Lars P. Folkow (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6580-9156)
- Ingebjørg Helena Nymo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4844-8344)
- Hans Lian
- Line Olsen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2558-866X)
- Rebecca K. Davidson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2576-2557)
- Ulrika Rockström
- Mette Boye
Institutions
- Zoological Society of London (GB)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE)
- Département Santé Animale (FR)
- University of Inland Norway (NO)
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NO)
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway (NO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microbiology Spectrum
- Published
- 2025-05-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02296-24
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35
Funders
- Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas