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From: tronix@polari.UUCP (David Daniel)
Newsgroups: rec.pets,sci.bio
Subject: Re: Fleas Transmit Tapeworms ???
Summary: Yes indeed they do!!
Message-ID: <2217@polari.UUCP>
Date: 20 Jul 90 21:52:21 GMT
References: <31860@cup.portal.com>
Organization: Seattle Online Public Unix (206) 328-4944
Lines: 52
Followup-To:poster

In article <31860@cup.portal.com> mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
>In today's San Jose Mercury-News (7/18), an article about fleas
>mentions they can transmit tapeworms.  Is that really true?  I thought
>tapeworms were transmitted by contact with fecal material.  I think
>they're confusing tapeworms with some other kind of worm (heartworms?).


From postnews Fri Jul 20 14:48:51 1990


Newsgroups: sci.bio,rec.pets
Subject: Re: Fleas Transmit Tapeworms ???
Summary: 
Expires: 
References: <31860@cup.portal.com>
Sender: 
Followup-To:poster
Distribution: 
Organization: Seattle Online Public Unix (206) 328-4944
Keywords: 

In article <31860@cup.portal.com> mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
>In today's San Jose Mercury-News (7/18), an article about fleas
>mentions they can transmit tapeworms.  Is that really true?  I thought
>tapeworms were transmitted by contact with fecal material.  I think
>they're confusing tapeworms with some other kind of worm (heartworms?).


There are two types of tapeworm that can live in domestic animals (and humans).
One is indeed transferred by fleas who act an an intermediate host to the 
larva. When an animal (or human) swallows such a flea the larva make their 
home in the alimentary canal.

The second type is carried by rodents who act as intermediate host. Cats who 
eat infected mice/rats can get this type of tapeworm.

Roundworms are the ones passed thru fecal matter. The adults release eggs that 
are passed thru feces. These eggs can stay fertile for years and hatch in the 
mucous membranes of the host.

Heartworm is passed by a mosquito that lives in the hot, humid areas of the 
US. Dogs are the most common victims, but I've read that cats can get them too.

Moral: If your pets have fleas then it's 99.9% probable that they have tapeworm.
If you control fleas you also control the first (and most common) type of 
tapeworm.


-- 
David Daniel (The man with no disclaimer)  tronix@polari.wa.com

"When I drive a cab I am moved by strange whistles and wear a hat."  Lew Welch