Reindeer health and supplementary feeding practices - a survey among herders in Norway and Sweden

The well-being, health and nutrition of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and the practice of reindeer husbandry in Fennoscandia are strongly affected by climate change and the loss and fragmentation of pastures. Supplementary feeding has become increasingly common to cope with limited pasture availability, especially to avoid starvation during winters with ice-locked pastures and challenging snow conditions. Increased reliance on feeding shifts traditional reindeer husbandry towards a more farm-like system and raises concerns about changes in reindeer foraging behaviour, increased stress and disease transmission. In this study, a questionnaire was conducted among reindeer herders in Norway and Sweden, to review the extent of supplementary feeding and to explore links between feeding strategies and observations of disease in reindeer. The study also evaluated factors affecting access to and use of veterinary services.

A total of 76 respondents, 33 from Norway and 43 from Sweden, participated. Most (87%) had applied supplementary feeding between 2015 and 2021, mainly on free-range pasture, although we observed a non-significant increasing trend in feeding in enclosures during this period. Detailed analysis of the challenging winter of 2019-2020 showed that it was most common to feed a combination of roughage (hay or silage) and pellets, and feeding typically lasted longer than one month. The most frequently reported health issues included parasites, diarrhoea, abortion, and wet belly. Reports of diarrhoea, wet belly, and necrobacillosis were significantly more common in Sweden than in Norway. Multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated an association between feeding in enclosures and diarrhoea. Veterinary services were used by 34% of the respondents for necropsies and 55% for clinical disease management, although many noted barriers such as cost and limited veterinary knowledge and expertise in reindeer health.

Supplementary feeding is widespread in reindeer husbandry in Norway and Sweden. Feeding in enclosures was associated with a higher incidence of diarrhoea. Continued competence building for good management decisions and veterinary services is essential for sustainable reindeer husbandry. An integrated One Health approach is key for the promotion of reindeer health and welfare and in preparedness for transmissible diseases among reindeer, domestic livestock and wildlife.