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.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
As previously stated, the opossum is considered the definitive host of EPM. Typically horses contract this disease while grazing or watering in areas where possums have defecated. The animals cannot pass this condition among themselves. That is, a single horse cannot get the disease from another infected horse. The animal is an aberrant, or dead-end host of this parasite.
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.
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.
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 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.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
As previously stated, the opossum is considered the definitive host of EPM. Typically horses contract this disease while grazing or watering in areas where possums have defecated. The animals cannot pass this condition among themselves. That is, a single horse cannot get the disease from another infected horse. The animal is an aberrant, or dead-end host of this parasite.
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.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment