The ovine cysticercosis as models for research into the epidemiology and control of the human and porcine cysticercosis Taenia solium: II. The application of control.

Abstract

Field trials and control programmes demonstrate that ovine echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus) and the cysticercoses (Taenia hydatigena and T. ovis) have different stabilities and may not respond in the same way to control. The first-named, which is usually in the endemic state, is readily transformed by a dog-dosing programme to extinction status. In contrast, the cysticercoses, usually in the hyperendemic state, may only be transformed to the endemic state. The consequence of this includes an increase in the larval population by superinfection due to a loss of immunity following this change in epidemiological status. These field trials and control programmes have been used as models for porcine cysticercosis caused by T. solium. It is concluded that future research should model the life cycle of this parasite mathematically and determine the most cost-effective control strategies. The impact of these on human prevalence can then be addressed by pilot field trials.