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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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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