Tape Worm Larvae/Eggs in my compost!!!

[chuckzoo]

I have been composting my chicken poop and have added the poop from one of my chickens that I just learned has Tape Worm!

My compost does not get super hot. Will they survive and be able to re-infect?

What do I do?

 

[zazouse]

Adult tapeworms probably have a limited survival span outside the host body - not more than several days, if even that long. The adult tapeworms are not able to feed and have no way to re-enter a host. Given their habitat you probably won't encounter one unless it's during a fresh post-mortem.

An ancillary question would be, how long can the tapeworm egg sacs survive outside the host body? The answer to that one may be 'indefinite' - the eggs require no special conditions to survive. They simply lie around waiting to be consumed by fleas in order to begin the next phase of their growth cycle.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_can_a_canine_tapeworm_live_outside_the_host_body#ixzz1yR4Jux2d

 

[chuckzoo]

Yes, the eggs are a great concern since I normally use the compost on my vegetable garden.

I am not sure what to do now. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

 

[zazouse]

been using chicken compost in my garden for 40 plus years years, i am still here, never seen tapeworms in my own poo.
I let my composted poo compost for at least 6 months as recommend never had any problems.
I guess if it concerns you just use the compost on your flower beds and buy your poo compost at the store, i am sure they porobly heat treat it somehow.
I just don't know what else you can do, mabe make compost tea i am sure the eggs would drown after a week in the water.

 

[MusketeerinFla]

Throw some horse manure into the compost pile. That would heat it up. MiF

 

[tellynpeep]

I checked with a veterinary parasitologist and the final word is: Don't worry about it.
There are no intestinal parasites of chickens that are transmissible to humans.
Hope this puts your mind... and compost... at ease.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

That is good to know. I have never run across that but if I do I know not to worry.

 

[chuckzoo]

I checked with a veterinary parasitologist and the final word is: Don't worry about it.
There are no intestinal parasites of chickens that are transmissible to humans.
Hope this puts your mind... and compost... at ease.

Thank you!

Yes I was concerned because I use my compost on my veggies.

Thanks again for checking.