How Do Pigs & Cows Get Tapeworms?

There are several species of tapeworms that can infect humans as well as pigs and cows. In fact, the reproduction of the parasitic tapeworm is dependent on a human-pig or human-cow life cycle. Understanding this life cycle shows that pigs and cows get tapeworms from people.

  1. Tapeworm Species

    • There are several species of tapeworm that are of concern. Taenia solium, or pork tapeworm, affects humans and pigs. Taenia saginata, or beef tapeworm, affects both humans and cows.

    Life Cycle

    • The life cycles of both the pig and cow tapeworms are essentially the same. In each case, the cow or the pig is the intermediate host.

    Adult Tapeworms

    • These adult tapeworms live and grow in humans. Humans who eat undercooked infected pork or beef develop the adult tapeworm.

    Tapeworm Eggs

    • The tapeworm eggs are passed in human feces. Pigs and cows get tapeworms only by eating the tapeworm eggs that were passed from humans.

    Pork and Beef Tapeworms in the U.S.

    • In the United States it is rare to encounter these types of tapeworms. Clean water systems and sanitation regulations have mostly prevented this disease in the U.S.