Tapeworm Infestation of Animals

helminthiases caused by more than 40 species of large cestode worms of the genus Taenia. In the adult tapeworm stage, Taenia parasitize the intestine of various predatory mammals of the families Canidae, Felidae, and Mustelidae and, less commonly, of predatory and piscivorous birds, causing disturbances in the motor, secretory, and absorptive functions of the intestine. The intermediate hosts of the parasites are rodents and ruminants.

The severity of the taeniasis depends on the number of parasites and on the age and general condition of the affected animal. Taeniases may result in death. Treatment consists of ridding the animal of worms with anthelmintics. Taeniases are prevented by keeping animals from feeding on intermediate hosts and by regular worming of domestic carnivores and fur-bearing animals on farms where taeniasis infections have occurred.