Anoplocephala perfoliata is the most common intestinal tapeworm of horses, and an agent responsible for some cases of equine colic.

[1] Between 8 and 25 centimeters long, Anoplocephala perfoliata is part of the order Cyclophillidea and is one of the three tapeworm species that can infect horses.

[2] This parasite is the most common intestinal tapeworm of horses in the world and is one of the top causes of equine colic.

[1] Any horses that have access to pastures and grazing are likely to have an A. perfoliata tapeworm in their body and experience no symptoms.

This life cycle is indirect, and requires an intermediate host, typically an oribatid mite which lives on vegetation.

[3] The tapeworm perforating through the intestinal wall and ulcerating the mucosal layer of the stomach at the site of attachment has also been seen with this parasite leading to the intussusception.

[2] Proglottids are released on an irregular basis as well therefore multiple tests may need to be in order to confirm an infection of Anoplocephala perfoliata.