What causes equine EPM?

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is caused by the protozoal parasites Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi, although most cases are due to S. neurona. The definitive host for S. neurona is the opossum, and horses become infected when they ingest feed or water contaminated with opossum feces.

How does a horse get EPM?

EPM is a neurologic disease that horses get from eating infected opossum feces. Incoordination, muscle atrophy and loss of feeling around the body are a few signs of illness. Keep your horses healthy by storing grain in sealed bins and controlling opossum populations around your barn.

Can EPM in horses be cured?

The sooner treatment begins, the better the horse's chances are for recovery. Sixty to 70 percent of EPM cases aggressively treated show significant or complete reversal of symptoms. Many horses are able to return to normal activity.

What are the first signs of EPM in horses?

Owners frequently notice obscure lameness, stumbling and incoordination. If the brain stem is involved, usually a head tilt is present. Clinical signs may include: Ataxia (incoordination) and weakness: Generally centered in the rear limbs, symptoms worsen when the head is elevated, or the horse moves up or down slopes.

Where is EPM most common?

Though EPM can affect both the brain and spinal cord, it is more common for the signs of disease to be associated with damage to the spinal cord, but we can and do see insult to the brain.

How do you prevent equine protozoal myeloencephalitis?

Prevention. As horses most commonly come into contact with SN by ingesting feed or water containing opossum feces, prevention relies on reducing the chances of opossum feces being present. Focus on avoiding attracting opossums to horse feeding areas, and preventing them from accessing those areas if they do arrive.

How do you prevent EPM in horses?

There are currently no vaccines for EPM, so pest and feed management are the best methods for prevention. A horse that contracts EPM cannot spread it to other horses, so there is no need to quarantine an infected horse.

Can horses get EPM from hay?

EPM can affect horses of any age, breed or gender. EPM cannot be passed from horse to horse. Caused by a protozoa, horses acquire EPM through pasture hay, grain, and water contaminated with opossum feces. Early detection and treatment increases chance for recovery.

Are horses in pain with EPM?

EPM can impact both the brain and spinal cord, so symptoms can vary from case to case. Pain caused by EPM lesions may also cause a horse to become grouchy.

Can a horse recover from EPM without treatment?

If left undiagnosed and untreated, EPM can cause devastating and lasting neurological deficits. The success rate for treated horses is high. Many will improve and a smaller percentage will recover completely, but 10-20% of cases may relapse within two years.

What should I feed my horse with EPM?

Folic acid and vitamin E have been found to aid in nerve healing and should be included in the daily regimen. High quality, highly palatable forage should be fed as many horses with EPM suffer weight loss. High fat and soluble fiber rations should be utilized when feeding horses that are recovering from EPM.

Is there a vaccine for EPM in horses?

A vaccine against Sarcocystis neurona, a causative agent for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), has been available since 2000, but its efficacy has been unclear.

Do raccoons give horses EPM?

Other hosts of S. neurona include skunks, raccoons, birds, armadillos and domestic cats, but these animals cannot directly transmit the disease to horses.

Do all possums carry EPM?

Believe it or not, opossums don't naturally carry the EPM parasite, but actually ingest it when eating decaying cats, skunks, and raccoons, which are key hosts for one phase of the parasite's life cycle.

Do opossums hurt horses?

Opossums can transmit Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) to horses. It is caused by a protozoal parasite whose eggs are shed in opossum feces. Infected animals show various signs of illness, including symptoms of central nervous system disease.

Can humans get EPM?

Yes. People can get sarcocystosis. They acquire the disease by ingesting (oral) the protozoan, most common- ly through undercooked meat prod- ucts. Disease in humans can involve either intestinal infection or muscular invasion by the parasite.

What is in a 4 way horse vaccine?

Typically, a “4-way”(EEE/WEE, Tetanus, Influenza) vaccine is administered to pasture horses and foals. A “5-way” (EEE/WEE, Tetanus, Influenza, and Rhino) vaccine is administered to 4-H, exhibition, and breeding or boarding barn horses. Depending on the risk, these vaccines may be repeated in 6-month intervals.

Do cats carry EPM?

The numbers show that cats are less likely than skunks and raccoons to be exposed to the organism and act as intermediate hosts. Intermediate hosts play a part in the life cycle of S. neurona, but unlike opossums, these animals can't actually spread EPM to horses.

How much vitamin E should a horse with EPM get?

The nutrient that is most commonly focused on for horses with EPM is Vitamin E. Supplementation with high levels of natural Vitamin E are often encouraged, as Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that supports nerve function and the immune system. Levels of 5,000 to 10,000 IU per day are recommended during treatment.

Does EPM cause weight loss?

Additionally, EPM can lead to both muscle and weight loss, and pain associated with arthritis can also cause weight loss or prevent weight gain.

What does folic acid do for horses?

Folic acid is sometimes given to horses to improve hemoglobin levels because of its role in maintaining healthy red blood cells. This could benefit exercising horses by supporting optimal oxygen supply to their muscles.

What food has folic acid?

Food Sources

• Dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli)
• Beans.
• Peanuts.
• Sunflower seeds.
• Fresh fruits, fruit juices.
• Whole grains.
• Liver.
• Seafood.

What supplements should my horse have?

Horses need antioxidant vitamins like vitamins A, E, and K. They may also need Vitamin C and D as well as biotin to maintain hoof health. A horse also needs balanced minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and other trace minerals.

How much folic acid does a horse need?

Based on requirements in other animals, the folate requirement for horses is likely approximately 1 mg / kg of DM, or 10 mg per day for a 500 kg horse.

Can EPM come back?

Should I have him treated again? A: The short answer is, yes, horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) can relapse.