In those horses affected, the Australian infestation level is reported as an average of 99 tapeworms.
Tapeworms increase the risk of colic in horses.
They can cause gut ulceration and blockage of the ileo-caecal valve, twisting and even rupture of the gut, unthriftiness and a deteriorating condition that can result in death. If blood vessels rupture as a result of the infestation, a painful death could follow. These can cause severe large intestinal damage, especially if encysted larvae all emerge from the gut wall together. They can also lead to anaemia, diarrhoea and emaciation. They are most dangerous in young horses up to two years old.