What is the preferred treatment for tapeworm infestation in raptors?

The preferred treatment for tapeworm infestation in raptors is praziquantel. This medication is highly effective against cestodes, which are the flatworms to which tapeworms belong. Praziquantel works by causing severe spasms in the parasites and disrupting their ability to maintain their attachment to the intestinal lining. This results in the elimination of the tapeworms from the host.

In raptor care, ensuring that the treatment is effective and safe is paramount, and praziquantel has a well-established efficacy profile in avian medicine, making it the first choice for treating tapeworms. Other options, while used for various types of parasitic infections, may not target tapeworms as specifically or effectively, leading veterinarians to prefer praziquantel for this particular condition. Understanding the specific action of praziquantel helps in recognizing the importance of targeted treatments in managing parasite infestations in birds of prey.