Equine Protozoal Myloencephalitis or (EPM) is a common equine neurological disease. It attacks the central nervous system and causes progressive inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The nerve damage caused by EPM is permanent. 1 in 5 horses never recover and must be euthanized, 10% recover completely and 70% survive in a diminished capacity.

EPM is Spread By

	Opossums, striped skunks, raccoons, armadillos, and sea otters.
	Possible suspects are also the brown headed cow bird, and even the barn cat.

Progression of the Disease is influenced by the following factors:

	The extent of the infection or the number of organisms ingested
	How long the horse harbors the parasite prior to treatment
	The point in the brain or spinal cord where the organism localizes or the damage occurs
	Stressful events that precede and follow the infection

The EPM Signs are:

	Back Soreness ~ which cannot be diagnosed
	Lameness ~ often in the rear end
	Subtle incoordination ~ toe dragging when tired, often only on one side
	Asymmetry or choppiness of gates
	Muscle Atrophy ~ often asymmetrical, usually in hind quarters, but may involve fore legs and face
	Facial Paralysis ~ lower lip or ears drooping to one side, head tilting, protruding tongue, difficulty chewing or swallowing
	Tendency to Lean to one Side
	Standing or Stepping Awkwardly ~ completely unaware of where the limbs are being placed
	Seizures ~ severe fatigue and narcoleptic like episodes

We are disappointed to say, EPM vaccine is no longer manufactured because the Fort Dodge conditional license has expired.
This disease, poses a real threat to your horse and it is important to implement preventative measures.

Prevention of EPM

	Do not feed on the ground; use feeders to minimize spillage
	Clean up dropped grain immediately
	Feed heat treated grains or extruded feeds; the process kills the infective sporocysts
	Feed dogs and cats in a high place that will not attract carriers
	Close feed room doors and grain containers
	Shut your barn doors or have screens to prevent carriers from entering.
	Protect hay, grain, supplements and bedding from contamination
	Keep water tanks clean and fill with fresh water
	Run a low, hot wire around your paddocks and pastures
	At horse shows or trail rides, use canvas hay bags to feed hay and grain.
	Provide fresh water in a pail; don’t allow them to drink stagnant water from streams.

The Antiprotozoal Treatment Options Are:

A prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment limits the extent of nerve damage, 10 to 20 % of the horses may fully recover with proper treatment.
Navigator directly kills the organisms and inhibits specific enzymes required for protozoan survival
Marquis directly attacks the protozoan without exerting effects on the tissue
Rebalance combines pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine