Large Strongyle Parastes in Equine: A Review

Strongylosis is one of the most important internal parasitic diseases of equines caused by nematodes of strongylidae family affecting more than 80% equids in the world. Strongylus vulgaris (S. vulgaris) is one of the large strongyle and the most prevalent and pathogenic parasites of equines. Large strongyles show major pathogenesis that is encompasses verminous arteritis, damage of visceral organs, embolism or thrombosis leading to death and is mainly attributed to migrating larvae of parasites. The larvae of Strongylus species are causes to large nodules in the wall of caecum and colon with a considerable hemorrhage and the nodules become rupture and release the worm into the lumen of the intestine. In the heavy burdens bleeding can occur and leads to the death of the animals. Inspite of substantial improvements in understanding the life cycle of strongyles and adopting latest diagnostic techniques and implementing the most modern treatment and control measures, the disease is still prevalent and could not be eradicated from any part of the world. The current strategy engaged in seasonal use of anthelmintics is the key to arrest the disease and overcome anthelmintic resistance. Using a mixed grazing system and removal of all horse feces from the fields twice weekly is highly effective for the control of strongyles.