Johan Höglund

Background
•    PhD from Uppsala University (1990); Associate Professor (1997) and Professor (2008) at SLU.
•    Dissertation on the effects of cooling water on a naturally circulating suction worm (field studies at Forsmarks Biotestsjö).
•    Postdoctoral researcher (1991–1993) at the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA).
•    Supervised four postdoctoral students, 14 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
-    Spread of lungworms 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. Principal applicant; co-applicant: Sofia Mikko.
-    2020–2024 · SLF O‑19‑20‑198 — Improved diagnosis and targeted treatment of parasitic roundworms in laying hens. Principal applicant; co-applicant: Desiree Jansson.
-    2018–2021 · FORMAS — Extreme weather, nematode infection in ruminants and farmers’ responses. Principal applicant.
-    2023–2026 · European Partnership Animal Health & Welfare (HORIZON) — BETO: Better tools for diagnosis of infectious diseases. Aktiv medsökande WP‑leader, PI Pikka Jokelainen, Statens Serum Institut., Copenhagen.
-    2023–2026 · COST CA23154 — Environmental impact of anthelmintics in livestock and alternatives to minimize their use. MC‑medlem.
-    2020–2028 · FORMAS — SustAinimal (center formation). Co-applicant; active in work package on grazing animals.

Previous key projects:
-    2012–2015 EMIDA ERA-Net (EMIRO) — Fox dwarf tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis). Project coordinator.
-    2014–2016 SLF — Strategic control and monitoring of Fasciola hepatica resistance in Sweden. Principal applicant.
-    2011–2013 · SLU‑Ekoforsk — Transmission routes of Ascaridia galli on organic laying hen farms. Principal investigator.
-    2006–2008 · SLF — Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Principal investigator.
-    2006–2009 · EU FP6 (PARASOL) — Sustainable control of ruminant nematodes. Member of the steering committee.
-    2012–2015 · Stiftelsen Hästforskning — Benzimidazole resistance in Parascaris equorum (horse). In collaboration with Norway, Active co-investigator.