Johan Höglund

Background
•    PhD from Uppsala University (1990); Associate Professor (1997) and Professor (2008) at SLU.
•    Dissertation on the effects of cooling water on Diplostomum, a trematode with a complicated life-cycle (field studies at Forsmarks Biotestsjö).
•    Postdoctoral researcher (1991–1993) at the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA).
•    Supervised six postdoctoral students, 19 PhD students and about 40 Master students.

Publications
More than 235 publications (peer-reviewed articles, reports and popular science articles). H-index: 45 according to Scopus (2025-08-11). Work includes both Swedish field studies and large international collaborations (EU FP6/FP7, COST, animal health/welfare partnerships), with roles as Principal Investigator, Work Package Leader, committee member and active co-applicant.

Published among others on:

• Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic worms in farm animals
• Parasite diagnostics based on serological and molecular methods
• Economic decisions regarding the investigation and treatment of parasitic diseases
• Parasite monitoring and targeted control of pasture parasites
• Blood-sucking mites and roundworms in laying hens
• Diagnosis and control of the large liver fluke in ruminants
• Transmission of lungworm (Dictyocaulus) between cattle and wild deer
• Fox tapeworm and the role of rodents in the spread of infection
• Parasites in organic food production
• Parasitic diseases in fish

Since the early 1990s, I have conducted research on how to control parasitic diseases in livestock, and on the occurrence and transmission of parasites in sport and companion animals as well as wildlife.

Using genetic and ecological methods, I study how parasites spread and evolve resistance to anthelmintics, and how this can be detected and mitigated.

I combine modern DNA technologies (ddPCR and deep sequencing/the nemabiome) and digital tools (AI‑assisted microscopy and sensors) with classical parasitological methods to develop targeted, long‑term sustainable solutions.

Overall, my research spans from epidemiology and sustainable parasite control in pasture‑based systems to a current focus on resistance, improved diagnostics, and climate and environmental aspects—with strong links to practical on‑farm implementation.

- Responsible for implementation and examination of sub-courses in parasitology as part of the veterinary medicine degree programme and animal care training (up to 2024).
- Involved in several other programmes including the Agronomy programme, the Ethology and Animal Welfare programme and the Masters programme in Infection Biology.
- Active in teacher exchanges via Norfa, Linnaeus-Palme and the Sweden-South Africa partnership.
- Is often engaged as a lecturer for animal owners and advisors.

Selection of current projects (2018–2028):

• 2022–2025 · FORMAS (AC‑2023/0032) — Markers for detection of anthelmintic resistance – from farms to genes.
• 2023–2026 · European Partnership Animal Health & Welfare (HORIZON EUP AH&W) — BETO: Better tools for diagnosis of infectious diseases.
• 2024–2028 · COST CA23154 — ENVIRANT: Environmental impact of anthelmintics in livestock and alternatives to minimize their use.
• 2020–2024 · Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research - SLF (O‑19‑20‑198) — Improved diagnosis and targeted treatment of parasitic roundworms in laying hens.
• 2020–2028 · FORMAS — SustAinimal: A knowledge centre with focus on the production animals' future role.
• 2019–2022 · COST CA16230 — COMBAR: Combatting anthelmintic resistance in ruminants. 
• 2018–2021 · FORMAS (2018-02888) — ENWIR: Extreme weather, nematode infection in ruminants and farmers’ responses.

Previous key projects:

• 2017-2019 · FORMAS (16-00510) — Liver flukes in dairy cattle - infection dynamics and the impact on milk production.
• 2014–2016 ·  EMIDA ERA-Net (ProPara) — Tackling the parasitological challenges arising from organic farming practices.
• 2014–2016 · SLF (H1350023) — Strategic control and monitoring of Fasciola hepatica resistance in Sweden.
• 2012–2015 ·  EMIDA ERA-Net (221-2011-2212) — EMIRO: Echinococcus multilocularis in rodents.
• 2012-2015 · 7th Framework Programme (HORIZON KBBE:2012-288975) — GLOWORM: Innovative and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impact of global change on helminth infections in ruminants.
• 2013–2016 · SLU‑Ekoforsk — Improved diagnostics and control of ascarids in organic laying hens.
• 2012–2015 · Foundation for Equine Research — Benzimidazole resistance in Parascaris equorum (horse).
• 2006–2009 · 6th Framework Programme (HORIZON ID: 22851) — PARASOL: Novel solutions for the sustainable control of nematodes in ruminants.
• 2003-2006 · SLF (0354001) — Genetic characterization of Haemonchus in Swedish sheep.