The irritated tissue reacts by forming cysts around the invaders. Fortunately, cattle cannot transmit the disease among themselves. However, they can ingest eggs from human sewage and excrement that have contaminated water and feed, or by licking soiled utensils and workers' hands and clothing. Live cattle show no symptoms, so that it becomes extremely important to identify the cysts during meat inspection. A previous history of infestation on the animals' premises also acts as a valuable diagnostic tool.
Serological tests are also available to detect the disease in live animals.
Humans seldom show symptoms, but in some cases suffer abdominal pain, weight loss, increased appetite and itchiness. Tapeworm segmants may appear in their feces. Diagnosis is by symptoms, fecal examination, and rectal swabs, although it's difficult to discover the disease during the first 3 months. A person should not be considered uninfected before having three negative tests completed.