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Tapeworm prevalence in the U.S. varies by region.

In 2003, new research revealed that more that 50% of the horses tested in this country have been infected with tapeworms.*

• States east of the Mississippi River experienced infection rates in over 60% of the horse population. Some areas were as high as 95.8%.
• The lowest infection rates, found in California and the Southwest still averaged 15.9%
• In Texas, the state with the greatest horse population, well over half the horses were infected with tapeworms.

Managerial practices and habitat of the oribatid mite may explain the differences in regional levels of infection. Now that the incidence and prevalence of tapeworms is known, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of tapeworm-associated colic.

* C.R. Reinemeyer, A.W. Farley, S.A. Kania, B.W. Rohrbach, R.H. Dressler,
48th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitlogists, Denver, CO, July 2003.

Also See:
One tapeworm is especially common.
Tapeworms have an unusual life cycle.
Horses do not exhibit typical signs of parasitism.
Research proves tapeworms are a leading cause of colic.

One tapeworm is especially common.
Anoplocephala perfoliata

• The most prevalent and infective of all equine tapeworms in the U.S.
• Commonly measures 1 ½" to 3" in length and ½" wide.
• Has a rounded scolex with four hooks that attach to the horse's intestine, generally in clusters around the ileocecal junction.
• Young and older horses are particularly susceptible to problems related to tapeworm infection.
• Studies have shown that A. perfoliata accounts for 22% of spasmodic colics, 81% of ileocecal impactions and virtually all ileocecal intussusceptions*

Although there are three species of tapeworms that threaten horses in the U.S., Anoplocephala perfoliata is by far the most prevalent.

* C.J Proudman, N.P. French and A.J. Trees, Equine Veterinary Journal 1998, 30 (3) 194-199

Tapeworms have an unusual life cycle.
Unlike most other equine parasites, the tapeworm life cycle involves an intermediate host, the oribatid mite.

Here is an overview of the Tapeworm's life cycle:

1. Oribatid mites ingest tapeworm eggs.
2. The eggs hatch inside the oribatid mite and develop into cysticercoids.
3. The horse ingests the oribatid mite.
4. The digested mites release cysticercoids where they attach to the ileocecal junction in the horse. The tapeworms mature and begin to reproduce.
5. The mature tapeworms release eggs inside the horse.
6. Tapeworm eggs are released in the horse's manure and the oribatid mites ingest the eggs. The life cycle begins back at step 1.

Horses do not exhibit typical signs of parasitism.

• Tapeworm infections have few outward signs. Infected horses do not appear to be in poor condition, exhibit a poor haircoat or diarrhea. Thus, it is possible for horses to develop heavy infections without any clinical signs of distress.
• The majority of horses carrying tapeworms never test positive in fecal egg counts because tapeworm eggs are contained in packets that generally don't float.
• Fecal egg tests are only 3.1% accurate for tapeworms making it extremely difficult to diagnose the problem in affected horses*
• New tests detect tapeworm antibodies in a horse's blood with 95% accuracy, allowing scientists to confirm a direct correlation between tapeworms and colic.

* E.T. Lyons, S.C. Tolliver, J.H. Drudge, et. Al. Parasites in Kentucky Thoroughbreds at necropsy:
Emphasis on stomach worms and tapeworms. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1993; 44: 839-844

Research proves tapeworms are a leading cause of colic.
Colic from tapeworms results when the intestine is damaged and/or blocked by adult tapeworms. This commonly occurs when the tapeworm attaches itself to the mucosa of the ileocecal junction, causing irritation and inflammation of the intestinal lining. As a result, there is a high correlation between tapeworms and three forms of colic (see One tapeworm is especially common.)

Spasmodic Colic

• One of the most common forms of equine colic.
• Develops when normal peristalsis creates trapped gas. Peristaltic waves become erratic and the intestine begins to spasm.
• 22% of spasmodic colic cases have been attributed to tapeworms. (see One tapeworm is especially common.)

Ileal-Impaction Colic

• Tapeworms attached at the ileocecal junction create a blockage that prevents fecal matter from being expelled. The threat compounds as additional digested material piles up behind the blockage.
• Research indicates that over 80% of these colic cases are associated with tapeworms. (see One tapeworm is especially common.)

Ileocecal Intussusception

• Swelling and inflammation caused by tapeworms at the ileocecal junction can exaggerate peristalsis and force the small intestine to push its way into the cecum.
• This is an extremely serious colic and requires surgical intervention.
• Research indicates that 100% of ileocecal intussusception colics are caused by the presence of tapeworms. (see One tapeworm is especially common.)