The Flea Tapeworm (Dipylidum caninum) is a cyclophyllid cestode that infects organisms afflicted with fleas and canine chewing lice. In appearance it resembles cucumber seeds, grains of rice, or sesame seeds. This parasite affects animals like dogs and cats globally, but most infections are asymptomatic, and the infections that do show symptoms are mild. Humans can be affected but to a significantly lesser degree, and it is more likely to occur in children. The best way to prevent human infection is to treat infected animals with products that kill the fleas on the animal.
The Flea Tapeworm has an overall length between 5.91”-27.56” (15-70 cm) and diameter of .08”-.12” (2-3 mm). The typical lifespan of the Flea Tapeworm is between 1-12 months.
The Flea Tapeworm (Dipylidum caninum) is a cyclophyllid cestode that infects organisms afflicted with fleas and canine chewing lice. In appearance it resembles cucumber seeds, grains of rice, or sesame seeds. This parasite affects animals like dogs and cats globally, but most infections are asymptomatic, and the infections that do show symptoms are mild. Humans can be affected but to a significantly lesser degree, and it is more likely to occur in children. The best way to prevent human infection is to treat infected animals with products that kill the fleas on the animal.
The Flea Tapeworm has an overall length between 5.91”-27.56” (15-70 cm) and diameter of .08”-.12” (2-3 mm). The typical lifespan of the Flea Tapeworm is between 1-12 months.
