Taenia Solium (Pork Tapeworm) Zoonotic
Taenia Solium, also known as pork tapeworm or armed tapeworm, is a common parasite that affects pigs, making them very sick. The adult tapeworms are found in the small bowel of a pig and can reach a length of 26.24 feet. These parasitic worms can produce up to 50,000 eggs.
Tapeworm infestation is zoonotic; humans contract it when eating poorly cooked pork.
Causes of Taenia Solium
The infection starts when pigs live closely together, where sanitation is questionable.
Pigs are infected with the parasite when they eat the parasite’s eggs through fecally contaminated food. Once ingested, the eggs will hatch, and the tapeworm will penetrate the intestinal walls and eventually go towards the pig muscles.
Symptoms of Taenia Solium
A few symptoms of Tapeworm infestation are:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Hunched over
- Diarrhea
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
Treating Taenia Solium
As a single dose, Praziquantel can be used to eliminate adult worms. Your vet will request a stool sample from your pig to verify if the treatment is working.
You can also give your pigs a single dose of Niclosamide, which is four tablets. Give your pig four tablets to chew, one at a time, with a small quantity of water. Humans must take medication such as Biltricide to paralyze and kill the tapeworm. Vaccine studies are underway.
References
National Library of Medicine Successful immunization of naturally reared pigs against porcine cysticercosis with a recombinant oncosphere antigen vaccine
My Most Used Pig Supplies
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Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.
A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.
Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.
A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.
When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.
You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.
Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.