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 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 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.
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.
Not much is known about the way Sarcocystis neurona can enter the CNS of this animal. Nonetheless, it is thought to infect white bloods cells so it may cross into the brain. The disease is treatable. Some horses may have irreversible damage done to their system as a result of this particular disease.
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 considered a rare disease. During the 1960s, Jim Rooney discovered the disease, which is known to attack the central nervous system of horses. The condition is the result of two different parasites. There are numerous symptoms and signs to look for when diagnosing the problem. Animals that are treated promptly are known to fully recover, but in some cases irreversible damage may be done to the nervous system of the animal.
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 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.
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.
Not much is known about the way Sarcocystis neurona can enter the CNS of this animal. Nonetheless, it is thought to infect white bloods cells so it may cross into the brain. The disease is treatable. Some horses may have irreversible damage done to their system as a result of this particular disease.
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 considered a rare disease. During the 1960s, Jim Rooney discovered the disease, which is known to attack the central nervous system of horses. The condition is the result of two different parasites. There are numerous symptoms and signs to look for when diagnosing the problem. Animals that are treated promptly are known to fully recover, but in some cases irreversible damage may be done to the nervous system of the animal.
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