Moniezia spp. (1)

Question 1

What are the final hosts?

Answer 1

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Question 2

What are the intermediate hosts?

Answer 2

Oribatid mite

Question 3

Describe adults

Answer 3

2 m long or more

Unarmed scolex

Suckers

Segments broader than long

Question 4

Describe eggs

Answer 4

Triangular shape

55-75 micro m long

Question 5

Explain the life cycle

Answer 5

Mature segments pass in feces, disintegrates and release eggs

Ingested by oribatid or forage mites - develop to cysticercoids

Infected mite eaten by ruminant while grazing

Mites may be present in bedding, hay, grass

No seasonality

PPP: 25-45 days (depends on species); 1-2 months

Question 6

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 6

Non pathogenic

Heavy infections in young lambs and kids

 - Unthriftiness
 - Diarrhea
 - Intestinal obstruction

If present in feces of ill animal may overshadow other overlooked causes of ill health

Question 7

How do you diagnose?

Answer 7

Noticed by livestock owner - proglottids in feces

Large adults - Necropsy

Question 8

How do you treat?

Answer 8

Albendazole approved

Praziquantel off label

Weanling treatment

Question 9

What is the common name?

Answer 9

Milk tapeworm