Infections with the larval stages of taeniid cestode parasites cause substa
ntial human morbidity as well as economic losses in domestic livestock spec
ies. Despite ongoing efforts around the world, few countries have been able
substantially to reduce or eradicate these infections through the use of a
nthelmintics and lifestyle changes. Vaccines offer an additional potential
tool to assist with the control of parasite transmission. Here, Marshall Li
ghtowlers and colleagues review the substantial progress that has been made
towards developing practical vaccines against hydatid disease in sheep and
cysticercosis in sheep and cattle. Recombinant antigens have been used to
induce more than 90% protection against challenge infections. Such success
in animals encourages investigation of the potential use of vaccines in hum
ans to prevent hydatid disease arising from infection with Echinococcus gra
nulosus and cysticercosis from infection with Taerua solium.