What to Use to Treat Cattle for Tapeworms

Tapeworm is a parasite that can cause intestinal disease in humans and some vertebrate animals. The tapeworm gets its name from its shape, as it resembles ribbons. The tapeworm belongs to the family of cestoda and is one of three members in the group of parasitic worms that also includes nematodes and trematodes. Tapeworm is a stubborn worm that is difficult to remove once it is entrenched in the body, however, there are some treatments you can administer to help cattle affected by tapeworm.

  1. When to Treat

    • Tapeworm is a problem because it eats into the nutrients in the food consumed by the animals it inhabits. Its hook-like head allows it to perch itself on the intestine of animals. The symptoms of tapeworm infestation are the same in cattle as in humans. At first, when the parasite is still in the ovulation stage, the cattle show almost no signs of infection. It is only when the worms grow fully and occupy the intestine that the cattle exhibit symptoms, which include weight loss, exhaustion, diarrhea, atrophy and swelling of the stomach. Tapeworm in cattle is less common and less serious than in sheep and goats, but the method of treatment is the same.

    Drug Treatments

    • The drugs albendazole, praziquantel, oxyfendazole and fenbendazole are all commonly used to treat tape worm in cattle. Each of these drugs is available under several brand names. A vet should help you decide which drug is your best option based on the stage of the growth of the tapeworm. If the worm is still in its developmental stage, albendazole is a good alternative. When the parasite has attained full growth, other drugs may be more useful.

    Other Options

    • In some cases, corticosteroids are also given to cattle to help them fight off the tapeworm. A few homegrown remedies can also be tried, such as pumpkinseed, male fern, pomegranate root bark and areca nut. However, the best solution is to try to prevent heart worm by keeping the area where the cattle live clean and free of excrement where tapeworms live and can be consumed by cattle.