Moniezia Infection

a helminthic disease (helminthiasis) of ruminants. It is caused by cestodes of the genus Moniezia, which parasitize the small intestine. Moniezia infection is widespread and often causes massive mortality among young animals. The parasite reaches a length of 6–10 m. Its development occurs externally with the participation of intermediate hosts— the small soil mites Oribatidae. Ruminants become diseased by eating grass infested with infected mites. Young animals in their first or, less frequently, second year of life are most often affected (lambs, kids, and calves).

Moniezia infection is manifested by digestive disturbances and emaciation. Attacks of colic or clonic spasms may occur. Anthelmintics (copper-sulfate solution, niclosamide suspension) are used to treat the disease. Preventive measures include liberal feeding of lambs with copper-sulfate mixtures during the pasturing period, barn and pasture maintenance of kids, and pasturing young animals on artificial pastures that have been deep plowed.