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Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, which may also be referred to as EPM, is a disease that affects horses. EPM in horses is the result of a protozoal infection within the central nervous system, CNS, of the animal. Jim Rooney, a doctor, was the first to discover this condition around the 1960s.
EPM has long been considered a rare disease. However, recent years have shown an increase in the amount of cases. Researchers conducted studies at University of Kentucky. They concluded their studies with the result that opossum is the host for this disease.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
As stated, opossum is the definitive host for EPM. Usually horses get this disease from watering or grazing in locations near where possums have recently defecated. These animals are unable to pass the disease alone. That is, one horse that is infected cannot pass it on to another horse that is not. The horse is a dead-end host of the parasites.
There are certain symptoms caused by this condition. Some of the most common signs is asymmetric incoordination, spasticity and weakness. Although the symptoms may mimic nearly any neurologic disorder. Overall, symptoms may be classified as primary or secondary. Some signs are more difficult to categorize from other problems. Other symptoms to look for when identifying this problem: laryngeal hemiplegia, snoring, and muscle atrophy of some sort.
It is still unknown how the Sarcocystis neurona is able to enter the central nervous system of this animal. However, it is believed to infect the white blood cells in order to cross through the blood brain barrier. Luckily, this problem is treatable. With that said, there may be some irreversible damage done to the system of a horse.
It is crucial that the problem be identified early on so that treatment can be issued, in the form of antiprotozoal drugs. There are currently two treatments available that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US: Marquis, Protazil. To limit potential damage to CNS and reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed. Using antioxidants can help with restoring the nervous tissue. To control or prevent this condition, owners are encourage to correctly store horse hay and feed, control the opossums in an area and quickly dispose of carcasses. These is not a vaccine for this available on the market.
EPM in horses is typically rare. Jim Rooney initially discovered this disease, which attacks the central nervous system of the animals, during the 1960s. The condition is caused by two parasites. There are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of for proper diagnosis. Horses that are treated early can be completely healed, although sometimes irreversible damage is done to the nervous system.
EPM has long been considered a rare disease. However, recent years have shown an increase in the amount of cases. Researchers conducted studies at University of Kentucky. They concluded their studies with the result that opossum is the host for this disease.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
As stated, opossum is the definitive host for EPM. Usually horses get this disease from watering or grazing in locations near where possums have recently defecated. These animals are unable to pass the disease alone. That is, one horse that is infected cannot pass it on to another horse that is not. The horse is a dead-end host of the parasites.
There are certain symptoms caused by this condition. Some of the most common signs is asymmetric incoordination, spasticity and weakness. Although the symptoms may mimic nearly any neurologic disorder. Overall, symptoms may be classified as primary or secondary. Some signs are more difficult to categorize from other problems. Other symptoms to look for when identifying this problem: laryngeal hemiplegia, snoring, and muscle atrophy of some sort.
It is still unknown how the Sarcocystis neurona is able to enter the central nervous system of this animal. However, it is believed to infect the white blood cells in order to cross through the blood brain barrier. Luckily, this problem is treatable. With that said, there may be some irreversible damage done to the system of a horse.
It is crucial that the problem be identified early on so that treatment can be issued, in the form of antiprotozoal drugs. There are currently two treatments available that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US: Marquis, Protazil. To limit potential damage to CNS and reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed. Using antioxidants can help with restoring the nervous tissue. To control or prevent this condition, owners are encourage to correctly store horse hay and feed, control the opossums in an area and quickly dispose of carcasses. These is not a vaccine for this available on the market.
EPM in horses is typically rare. Jim Rooney initially discovered this disease, which attacks the central nervous system of the animals, during the 1960s. The condition is caused by two parasites. There are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of for proper diagnosis. Horses that are treated early can be completely healed, although sometimes irreversible damage is done to the nervous system.
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