Abstract
BackgroundMealworm beetle T. molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most important cosmopolitan primary storage pests, scavenging on a variety of post-harvest grains and affecting the quality and safety of food and feed. In addition to being an important factor in feed hygiene, the insect can also be an epidemiological factor of canthariasis. Livestock infestations with T. molitor are rarely reported. This article describes T. molitor-caused canthariasis in pigs in large scale closed-cycle farming.ResultsIn the spring, we registered a significantly increased mortality among weaned pigs. In autopsy, live 3–6 mm long T. molitor larvae were found in their stomachs, especially in the non-glandular oesophageal region, on average 2–3 larvae per 10 cm2 of gastric mucosa. Corrective actions reduced the number of deaths back to basal levels.ConclusionsThis is the first documented case of potentially lethal gastric canthariasis in weaned pigs, caused by invasion of T. molitor larvae. Although canthariasis caused by T. molitor has not been a significant problem in farm animals so far, our case indicates that the presence of mealworm beetles is a potential threat to animal welfare and health.
Highlights
Mealworm beetle T. molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most important cosmopolitan primary storage pests, scavenging on a variety of post-harvest grains and affecting the quality and safety of food and feed
Conclusions canthariasis caused by T. molitor has never been a serious problem in farm animals, veterinarians in their practice note the presence of this storage pest in the production and control of feed
Such cases of the T. molitor larvae invasion may affect the physiological status of the gastrointestinal tract and may presumably increase other pathological processes
Summary
Mealworm beetle T. molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most important cosmopolitan primary storage pests, scavenging on a variety of post-harvest grains and affecting the quality and safety of food and feed. The nutritional value of feed is the paramount factor in proper development and fast growth of farm animals [2], but feed hygiene and biological safety are not less important. Insects are a legitimate feed ingredient, and insect market for animal feed is increasing around the world. In this context, T. molitor deserves special interest since it has been reported to possess a high nutritional value and to be an acceptable protein source for poultry [5] and other farm animals. Respiratory allergies may develop upon prolonged contact with products infested by T. molitor [7] and the beetle can be an epidemiological factor of canthariasis [8]
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