Fennoscandian distribution of an important parasite of cervids, the deer ked (Lipoptena cervi), revisited

Abstract

The deer ked [Lipoptena cervi (L. 1758) (Dipt., Hippoboscidae)] is a blood-sucking ectoparasite of cervids. The species has been resident in Sweden for more than two centuries, whereas in Finland ( approximately 50 years) and Norway ( approximately 30 years), it has established itself relatively recently. L. cervi may cause serious health problems in its natural hosts, act as a vector for zoonotic diseases, and pose a socioeconomic threat to forest-based activity. In this paper, we review the distribution and former expansion of the species in Fennoscandia. The current distribution of L. cervi appears bimodal, and the geographical range expansion of the species shows notable differences across Fennoscandia. The western population in Norway and Sweden has its northern edge of range at respective latitudes of 61 degrees N and 62 degrees N, whereas the eastern population in Finland reaches 65 degrees N. The future expansion of L. cervi is dependent on several interdependent extrinsic and intrinsic factors. International multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to achieve a synthesis on the factors affecting expansion rates and to understand the effects of L. cervi on wildlife, human health, and the rural societies of Fennoscandia.

Bartonella Infections in Deer Keds (Lipoptena cervi) and Moose (Alces alces) in Norway

“…How the Swedish orienteers were exposed to Bartonella was not determined, although vector-borne transmission via blood-sucking arthropods was suspected (43). In light of our findings, it is pertinent to mention that the accumulation of SUCD among orienteers coincided with a major increase in the abundance and distribution range of the deer ked in Fennoscandia (2). Given the uncertainty over the identity of the Bartonella spp.…”

“…In the Nordic countries, it was until recently restricted to Denmark and the southernmost part of Sweden, but during the last few decades L. cervi has shown a remarkable increase in abundance and is currently rapidly expanding its range northward in Finland, Sweden, and Norway (2). Its predominant hosts are cervids, but the insect may attack a wide range of animals (3).…”

Biodivesity and importance of hippoboscids infection in cervids

“…Najczęściej i najbardziej intensywna inwazja stwierdzana jest u łosi, uznawanych za typowych żywicieli tej muchówki, u których ekstensywność zarażenia sięga 80-100% (22,26,48). Znacznie rzadziej pasożyty te występują na pozostałych gatunkach jeleniowatych.…”

Factors affecting deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) prevalence and infestation intensity in moose (Alces alces) in Norway

“…The deer ked invaded south-eastern Norway from Sweden with the first case reported in 1983 [5] and rapidly spread north- and westwards [6]. By 1999, the distribution range embraced large parts of south-eastern Norway [6].…”

“…The deer ked invaded south-eastern Norway from Sweden with the first case reported in 1983 [5] and rapidly spread north- and westwards [6]. By 1999, the distribution range embraced large parts of south-eastern Norway [6]. During the autumn swarming period, the deer keds may attack a variety of animals and humans, but only cervids seem to be able to function as definitive hosts [4].…”