Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Circulation Among Reindeer and Reindeer Herders

Various deer species are infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) and may be a source of zoonotic infection for humans. So far, HEV has not been isolated from reindeer and the role of this domesticated deer species in HEV transmission is unknown. We tested serum samples from 191 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and 86 adult reindeer herders from the circumpolar regions of Yakutia (Russian Federation) for anti-HEV and HEV RNA. Anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 8.1-17.5) in reindeer and 4.7% (95% CI: 1.5-11.7) in reindeer herders. The latter was similar to the positivity rate observed in adult residents of the city of Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia, who do not have routine contact with reindeer (3.7% [19/519, 95% CI: 2.3-5.7]). No samples positive for HEV RNA were identified. The study provides evidence of HEV circulation in reindeer. Nevertheless, the low seroprevalence in reindeer herders indicate a low risk of zoonotic HEV infection.