From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2007-02-20 03:52:59 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Superworms
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Interesting questions...
Okay, I have found that mealworms are among the
insects which can have and spread Hymenolepis diminuta,
a type of tapeworm, but I don't know if ferrets can get
that species of parasite, though emed says that among
human children in the Southeast U.S. about 1% are infected.
That species of tapeworm is not listed in _Biology and
Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd edition_. I don't have time to
check my other references but that is usually the most
inclusive.
It does not say the species of tapeworm but here is a past
post from Dr. Bruce Williams who says that fleas can give
an unnamed species of tapeworm to ferrets in
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG3737
including
BEGIN QUOTE
Tapeworms are spread between animals
by fleas, and if the ferret swallows the flea (it is more than just a
simple bite), then the eggs can hatch and your ferret will shed the
rice-like tapeworm segments. The condition is really not serious -
despite old wives tales to the contrary, tapeworms do little to no
damage to the host
END QUOTE
but we don't even know of that is the same species of worm.
It's a truly great question, and I hope that others with a bit
more time to look will be able to reply more completely.
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