The tapeworm, Taenia multiceps, has been known by many names.  One of these, Multiceps serialis, was the name used for the parasite in the previous edition of this manual.  In North America adult T. multiceps is found in the small intestine of wolves, coyotes, red and gray foxes, and dogs.  The larval tapeworms occur in large groups within a single cyst known as a coenurus.  They have been recovered mainly from subcutaneous or intermuscular tissues of hares, rabbits and squirrels but have also been recorded from mule deer in Alberta and from domestic ruminants.

The coenurus may be as large as a hen's egg.  Even in unpelted carcasses the swellings caused by the parasite can usually be seen or felt.  The presence of larval T. multiceps in the intermediate host does not necessarily cause death although heavy infections in lagomorphs may hamper movement and arrest or completely prevent seasonal changes in fur colour, making affected individuals more susceptible to predation.

Carcasses of infected hares, rabbits or squirrels should not be made available to wild carnivores and dogs since the latter are suitable definitive hosts of T. multiceps.

The meat of a carcass infected with the intermediate stage of T. multiceps is considered to be suitable for human consumption if only a few cysts are present and if they are removed.  If, however, numerous cysts are present in the meat the entire carcass should be judged unsuitable for human use.

The parasite is not transmissible to man from the intermediate hosts.

Selected Reference:

Thornton, H. 1962.  Textbook of meat inspection, including the inspection of rabbits and poultry, 4th ed. Baillière, Tindall and Cox, London.