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.
The cause of EPM is two types of parasites: Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi. Much more information is known about the former than the latter. In fact, it is known that Sarcocystis neurona requires two hosts in order to fully complete a life cycle. One must be intermediate and the second must be definitive. In laboratories, sea otters, armadillos, skunks, raccoons and cats have all been known to act as intermediate hosts.
Opossum is recognized as the host for this disease. Typically the parasite is contracted by horses who graze or water in areas nearby defecation of possums. The animals cannot pass EPM along alone, which is to say that an uninfected horse cannot contract it from an infected animal. The animal is known as an aberrant of these 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.
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 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 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.
The cause of EPM is two types of parasites: Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi. Much more information is known about the former than the latter. In fact, it is known that Sarcocystis neurona requires two hosts in order to fully complete a life cycle. One must be intermediate and the second must be definitive. In laboratories, sea otters, armadillos, skunks, raccoons and cats have all been known to act as intermediate hosts.
Opossum is recognized as the host for this disease. Typically the parasite is contracted by horses who graze or water in areas nearby defecation of possums. The animals cannot pass EPM along alone, which is to say that an uninfected horse cannot contract it from an infected animal. The animal is known as an aberrant of these 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.
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 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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