Gastric canthariasis caused by invasion of mealworm beetle larvae in weaned pigs in large-scale farming

• DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02657-0
• Publication Date: 2020-11-11T13:03:03Z
• Authors: Remigiusz Gałęcki; Mirosław Mariusz ...; Karol Wierzchosła...; Tadeusz Bakuła
• Keywords: Mealworm

Abstract Background Mealworm beetle T. molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most important cosmopolitan primary storage pests, scavenging on a variety post-harvest grains and affecting quality safety food feed. In addition to being an factor in feed hygiene, insect can also be epidemiological canthariasis. Livestock infestations with are rarely reported. This article describes -caused canthariasis pigs large scale closed-cycle farming. Results spring, we registered significantly increased mortality among weaned pigs. autopsy, live 3–6 mm long larvae were found their stomachs, especially non-glandular oesophageal region, average 2–3 per 10 cm 2 gastric mucosa. Corrective actions reduced number deaths back basal levels. Conclusions first documented case potentially lethal pigs, caused by invasion larvae. Although has not been significant problem farm animals so far, our indicates that presence mealworm beetles potential threat animal welfare health.