Reindeer Infestation with Cysticercus Tarandi in the Tundra of Yamalia, Russia

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of reindeer husbandry can only be achieved by preserving the health of animals, which requires the organization of measures to protect animals from infectious and invasive pathogens. C. tarandi is the larval stage of Taenia krabbei and causes damage to muscle fibers and a decrease in the commercial qualities, energy and nutritional value of reindeer meat. The study aimed to evaluate the distribution of C. tarandi in the population of domesticated reindeer grazing on the tundra of the Tazovsky district of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. The infestation level was assessed upon detection of the cysticerci of C. tarandi in the muscle fibers and hearts during reindeer carcasses examination (n = 38,580). During the study period (2016-2018), the infestation of the reindeer with C. tarandi averaged 6.5%. At the slaughter unit in Tazovsky village, the infestation prevalence averaged 9.7% and in Antipayuta village was up to 5.7%. The greatest infestation rate was observed in animals belonging to the Tazovsky agricultural production cooperative and in Agrofirma Pripolarnaya limited liability company with 16.7 and 21.2%, respectively, in 2016. The lowest infestation was observed in animals belonging to private individuals (from 0 to 7.5%). On average, about 33 kg of products were not received from each reindeer carcass infected with C. tarandi.