Advances in Biological Research 9 (4): 247-252, 2015 ISSN 1992-0067 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.abr.2015.9.9559 Corresponding Author: Anmaw Shite, University of Gondar, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia. 247 Large Strongyle Parastes in Equine: A Review Anmaw Shite, Bemrew Admassu and Alimaw Abere University of Gondar, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia Abstract: 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. Key words: Strongylosis Equines S. vulgaris Migrating Larvae INTRODUCTION toothed strongyle. S. vulgaris is smaller than the other The equine population in Africa is 17.6 million of Strongylosis has been reported from all parts of the which 11.6 million, 2.3 million and 3.7 million donkey, world and almost affects more than 90% of horse mules and horses, respectively. Ethiopian retains a total population [5]. In Ethiopian studies, S. vulgaris was very of 8.6 million equines, 5.2, 2.8 and 0.6 million donkeys, common and highest in equids in mid and high altitude horses and mules, respectively. This high number of areas where the rain fall is relatively high and follows as equine in the production system shows the importance of a bimodal pattern [6]. Among the gastro-intestinal equine species in the area [1]. Most equines are found in nematodes of horses, large strongyle infections, S. the area of high human population density where the vulgaris has long been considered as one of the most production system is dominated by annual cropping with common and pathogenic parasites of the horse [7, 8] livestock production [2]. The description of very complex life cycle of the The large strongyles are nematode parasites strongylids of the large strongyles was initiated by which are classified under the family strongylidae. These Wetzel in 1941 and then described more precisely by parasites live in the large intestine specifically caecum and Enigk ten years later in 1951. Further studies conducted colon of equines. The three most important species of by McGraw and Slocombe in 1977 [9]. When the equines large strongyles found in equines are S. vulgaris, ingest the larvae; it travels through the digestive system strongylus edentates (S. edentates) and strongylus to the large intestine. S. vulgaris migrate to the anterior equines (S. equines) [3]. The common name of S. vulgaris mesenteric artery; S. edentatus to the liver (flank area) and is called as double tooth strongyle, S. edentatus is called S. equinus migrate to the liver and pancreas [10]. as toothless strongyle and S. equinus is called as tripled Adult large strongyles live in the caecum and colon. two large strongyle species [4].