Common conditions of reindeer

摘要

Reindeer are highly adapted to the extreme climates of northern latitudes and, therefore, when imported to countries such as the UK, are usually expected to live in substantially different conditions to those in which they evolved. This can make themsusceptible to a variety of diseases and pathogens, which prospective owners and their vets need to be aware of, especially if reindeer are to share accommodation with other species such as sheep and cattle. The extensive experience and published literature from North America and Scandinavian countries, where reindeer are managed as semidomesticated herds accustomed to seasonal migration, can help to inform the growing knowledge base in the UK. This article discusses some of the common problems affecting reindeer in this country.