Latin Name

Mesocestoides spp

Seen in Cats and Dogs?

Cats and Dogs can act as both intermediate and final host to this parasite

How does my pet become infected?

Two intermediate hosts are required. Cats and dogs can become secondary hosts by ingesting infected oribatid mites, or final hosts, by ingesting an infected secondary host which can be from a wide range of vertebrates ie reptiles, mammals, birds

Signs

Infection as a final host is usually harmless. Infection as Secondary host can cause severe abdominal problems including peritonitis and ascites.

Warnings

Humans can experience severe diarrhoea with intestinal infections