Tapeworm - Moniezia expansa:
The double-pored ruminant tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the small intestine. The mature tapeworm
may grow up to about 4 yards. They are composed of segments called prolottids.
The head of the tapeworm is known as the Scolex and attaches to the small intestine wall with suckers.
Each mature proglottid has both sets of reproductive organs. As the tape worm grows it developes segments
which will eventually break off and pass through the goat, being expelled with the feces.
Each triangular shaped egg is called the oncosphere (larva). These larva will eventually be eaten
by tiny bettle mites and will grow and develope in the intestine of the mite, which climbs up the blades of grass
and is then eaten by the host as it feeds in the pasture, which, that would be your goat.
A light infestation of any goat will not result in any adverse effects, but a heavy infestation may cause
impaction when the large worms fill the small intestine. Death may occur from this type of sever infestation.
Younger animals they may suffer some ill health and be listless and unthrifty.
The tapeworm only lives about 3 months in the intestine before it dies.
