Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, also known as simply EMP, is the name of a disease that occurs in horses. EPM in horses is the result of a protozoal infection in the central nervous system of these animals. A doctor named Jim Rooney first discovered it in the mid twentieth century.
EPM is generally considered a rare condition. In more recent times, a high occurrence of cases has been reported. Research work was performed at the University of Kentucky. The results found that opossum is the definitive host for this specific disease.
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are the two responsible parasites for EPM. Very little is know about Neospora hughesi, especially its life cycle. On the other hand, Sarcocystis neurona involves two hosts to complete a life cycle. There must be a intermediate host and a definitive host. Sea otters, raccoons, cats, skunks and armadillos have been show, in labs, to function as intermediate hosts.
As previously stated, the opossum is considered the definitive host of EPM. Typically horses contract this disease while grazing or watering in areas where possums have defecated. The animals cannot pass this condition among themselves. That is, a single horse cannot get the disease from another infected horse. The animal is an aberrant, or dead-end host of this parasite.
There are symptoms to look out for when identifying the presence of this disease. The most common of signs includes spasticity, weakness and incoordination. Although signs can vary and mimic those of any type of neurological disorder. Overall, these problems are considered secondary or primary. Some of the symptoms are less easy to identify and categorize. Other warning signs to keep an eye on: snoring, general or focal muscle atrophy, laryngeal hemiplegia.
Little is known about how the Sarcocystis neurona actually enters into the CNS of the animal. Still, it is believed that it infects the white blood cells so that it can cross into the blood brain barrier. This disease can be treated, but in some cases, horses may experience irreversible system damage.
It is essential that the disease be diagnosed as early as possible to allow for quick treatment through use of antiprotozoal drugs. To date, two FDA-approved treatments are available in the United States for this issue: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS of the animal and reduce inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicine may be given. Use of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, can help restore nervous tissue. To control this disease, horse owners are encouraged to properly store feed and hay, control opossums on a property and promptly dispose of animal carcasses. There is currently no vaccine available.
EPM in horses is mostly a rare occurrence. It was first discovered by a doctor named Jim Rooney circa the 1960s. This disease, which occurs in the central nervous system of these animals, is the result of two parasites. There are many signs and symptoms associated with this condition that can help identify the presence of the disease. Animals that receive prompt treatment are likely to make a full recovery with treatment. In some situations, damage that is irreversible may be done to the nervous system of the horse.
EPM is generally considered a rare condition. In more recent times, a high occurrence of cases has been reported. Research work was performed at the University of Kentucky. The results found that opossum is the definitive host for this specific disease.
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are the two responsible parasites for EPM. Very little is know about Neospora hughesi, especially its life cycle. On the other hand, Sarcocystis neurona involves two hosts to complete a life cycle. There must be a intermediate host and a definitive host. Sea otters, raccoons, cats, skunks and armadillos have been show, in labs, to function as intermediate hosts.
As previously stated, the opossum is considered the definitive host of EPM. Typically horses contract this disease while grazing or watering in areas where possums have defecated. The animals cannot pass this condition among themselves. That is, a single horse cannot get the disease from another infected horse. The animal is an aberrant, or dead-end host of this parasite.
There are symptoms to look out for when identifying the presence of this disease. The most common of signs includes spasticity, weakness and incoordination. Although signs can vary and mimic those of any type of neurological disorder. Overall, these problems are considered secondary or primary. Some of the symptoms are less easy to identify and categorize. Other warning signs to keep an eye on: snoring, general or focal muscle atrophy, laryngeal hemiplegia.
Little is known about how the Sarcocystis neurona actually enters into the CNS of the animal. Still, it is believed that it infects the white blood cells so that it can cross into the blood brain barrier. This disease can be treated, but in some cases, horses may experience irreversible system damage.
It is essential that the disease be diagnosed as early as possible to allow for quick treatment through use of antiprotozoal drugs. To date, two FDA-approved treatments are available in the United States for this issue: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS of the animal and reduce inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicine may be given. Use of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, can help restore nervous tissue. To control this disease, horse owners are encouraged to properly store feed and hay, control opossums on a property and promptly dispose of animal carcasses. There is currently no vaccine available.
EPM in horses is mostly a rare occurrence. It was first discovered by a doctor named Jim Rooney circa the 1960s. This disease, which occurs in the central nervous system of these animals, is the result of two parasites. There are many signs and symptoms associated with this condition that can help identify the presence of the disease. Animals that receive prompt treatment are likely to make a full recovery with treatment. In some situations, damage that is irreversible may be done to the nervous system of the horse.
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