Macracanthorhynchus Infestation

a disease of swine, caused by the parasitization of the small intestines by the thorny-headed worm Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. The parasites develop with the participation of intermediate hosts— many species of beetles (such as June beetles, sap chafers, ground beetles, and dung beetles). The disease develops after swine jat infested beetles or their larvae. Adult pigs contract the disease most often. When there is considerable infestation, enteritis develops and the pigs exhibit slow growth, become emaciated, and sometimes die. A treatment has not been developed. Prevention of the disease consists in avoiding the use of pastures where there are intermediate hosts.

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