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 mostly rare. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the amount of cases reported. Research that was done at University of Kentucky concluded that the opossum is the definitive disease host.
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.
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.
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.
The problem should be identified as soon as possible so that antiprotozoal drugs can be administered for treatment. To date, the FDA approves to forms of treatments for use in America: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS and reduce all inflammation, there are anti-inflammatory medicines administered. Use of antioxidants is helpful when it comes to restoration of nervous tissue. To prevent or control this disease, horse owners should properly store feed and hay, regulate opossums in their area, and quickly and efficiently dispose of carcasses. No vaccine is available for use as treatment.
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 mostly rare. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the amount of cases reported. Research that was done at University of Kentucky concluded that the opossum is the definitive disease host.
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.
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.
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.
The problem should be identified as soon as possible so that antiprotozoal drugs can be administered for treatment. To date, the FDA approves to forms of treatments for use in America: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS and reduce all inflammation, there are anti-inflammatory medicines administered. Use of antioxidants is helpful when it comes to restoration of nervous tissue. To prevent or control this disease, horse owners should properly store feed and hay, regulate opossums in their area, and quickly and efficiently dispose of carcasses. No vaccine is available for use as treatment.
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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