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== ''Anoplocephala'' Species ==
===Introduction===
[[Image:Anoplocephala.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Anoplocephala'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
[[Image:Anoplocephala.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Anoplocephala'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
Several species of ''Anoplocephala'' occur in equidae, but ''A. perfoliata'' is the only common species in the UK.
Several species of ''Anoplocephala'' occur in equidae, but ''A. perfoliata'' is the only common species in the UK. It is an equine cestode, more commonly known as a tapeworm. It is currently commonly seen in horses within the UK, usually affecting younger horses.
=== Recognition ===
=== Recognition ===
=== Life-Cycle ===
=== Life-Cycle ===
Each worm has male and female segments, which reproduce via hemaphroditism. The male segment fertilises the female segment. The reproductive organs then deteriorate, leaving only a uterus full of eggs.
The intermediate hosts of ''A. perfoliata'' are free-living pasture mites. These are ubiquitous, but most numerous on permanent pasture in the summer months. The metacestode form is the cysticercoid. Horses become infected by ingesting the mites while grazing.
The intermediate hosts of ''A. perfoliata'' are free-living pasture mites. These are ubiquitous, but most numerous on permanent pasture in the summer months. The metacestode form is the cysticercoid. Horses become infected by ingesting the mites while grazing.