Moniezia

Moniezia Species

Moniezia ruminant - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Different species occur in sheep and cattle.
In the UK, Monieza is very common in lambs but rarely seen in cattle.
It has a typical tapeworm appearance and is some 2m long.
The segments are wider than they are long.
Although impressive when found in a lamb at post mortem examination, Monieza is of little, if any, clinical significance.
Some believe that it may sometimes slow growth rates, but this has not been proven under British conditions.
Farmers become aware of infection in late summer when spontaneous expulsion often occurs. Lengths of strobila may then be seen hanging from the back-end of lambs.
The eggs are similar in appearance to those of A. perfoliata.
Pasture mites act as intermediate hosts.