The possible role of the soil fauna in the epizootiology of cysticercosis in cattle. II. Dung beetles--a biotic factor in the transmission of Taenia saginata eggs.

In the present study 510 specimens of dung beetles (Aphodius fimetarius, A. fossor, Sphaeridium scarabaeoides) were examined after exposure to a medium contaminated with Taenia saginata eggs or segments. It has been demonstrated that eggs of tapeworm may be transmitted by the digestive tracts of dung beetles as well as on the surface of Aphodius fimetarius. The above findings suggest that dung beetles, likewise in nature the earthworms, may play an essential role in the spreading eggs of T. saginata. Especially Aphodius fimetarius, because of its passive transmission of eggs on long distances, may be involved in the epizootiology of cysticercosis in cattle.