Tapeworm
Latin: Echinococcus granulosus (UK), Echinococcus multilocularis (non UK)
Echinococcus granulosus
In the UK, the Sheep and Dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is a concern to human health. It is fortunately not found at the same frequency across the UK, being more localised to Wales and Hebride areas. Like roundworms, children are also at increased risk infection from Echinococcus granulosus. Infection in humans occurs when worm eggs are accidentally eaten. This can happen by either poor hand washing after touching a dog's coat / soil or eating unwashed food which has been contaminated with dog faeces.
Echinococcus granulosus causes cysts (called hydatid cysts) filled with young worms, these cysts can grow slowly over a number of years to reach the size of a football. Affected individuals may have abdominal swelling and pain. The most common organs affected are the liver and lungs.
Echinococcus multilocularis
Echinococcus multilocularis is another type of tapeworm, found abroad, which is fortunately not yet present in the UK. As with Echinococcus granulosus, children are most at risk, but adults can also be infected. Human disease from this worm is more severe and causes lots of little cysts to form and spread throughout the body causing multiple organ failure and death if left untreated.
If you travel abroad with your pet, or are planning to in the future, it is imperative you have an appropriate worming regime in place. Talk to your vet and please read the Pet Travel Scheme guidelines for more information.
Paws for Thought
Echinococcus tapeworms can be present in your pet without obvious symptoms (see TAPEWORMS in pets) so it is even more important to keep up an appropriate worming regime to reduce transmission risk to you and your family.
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