Control of the bass tapeworm, Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy), with mebendazole

Abstract

Abstract. Mebendazole (methyl‐5‐benzoyl benziraidazole‐2‐carhamate) was shown to have anthelmintic activity against larvae of Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy) in implantations were found to be highly effective. A single intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg or a capsule implantation of 200 mg/kg of mebendazole each reduced the infection by 95 % after 6 weeks. Oral treatment for 14 consecutive days at 100 mg/kg/ day reduced I he infection by 90%. Intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg of mebendazole ever, did not interfere with spawning and reproduction of largemouth bass; however fish injected with 300 mg/kg produced no fry. Haematocrit, total haemoglobin, total serum protein and histological changes were not evidenl in treated fish.