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Skip Navigation LinksAll Topics > Infectious Diseases > Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM): Debunking the Myths  *
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a bit like a rock star: highly Googled, morbidly fascinating, yet oftentimes completely misunderstood. "The EPM story is truly a success story for modern veterinary research. Twenty-five years ago we became aware of an enigmatic parasitic infection of the nervous system of the horse. Since then, veterinary and affiliated scientists have determined the cause of the illness, worked out a complicated life ... Read full story
 6/1/2009
Vets Discuss Infectious Neurologic Diseases, AAEP 2008   *
What are the most important neurologic problems veterinarians face throughout the year? That's the question Debra Sellon, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, associate dean of the Graduate School at Washington State University and professor of equine medicine, and this author (Steve Reed, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.) posed to the audience to start the infectious neurologic diseases table topic session at the 2008 American ... Read full story
 5/10/2009
Consider Temporal Nerve Problem in Neurologic Horse Diagnosis   *
When presented with a horse demonstrating facial nerve paralysis and/or a head tilt, neurologists say veterinarians should consider temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, a disorder of the hyoid apparatus (voice box) and associated structures. Although it is not the most commonly diagnosed neurologic condition in horses, it's an important and treatable condition that horse owners and their veterinarians should be aware of, according to Steve Reed, DVM, Dipl. ... Read full story
 4/28/2009
Lame or Neurologic? Brain Stimulation Might Tell  *
According to Belgian researcher Heidi Nollet, DVM, PhD, and colleagues from the Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, University of Gent, transcranial magnetic stimulation of a specific region of the brain called the motor cortex can be a powerful tool to help differentiate between a subtle lameness due to a musculoskeletal problem and a neurologic process. This is achieved by magnetically stimulating the motor cortex, then measuring the ... Read full story
 3/25/2009
Lame or Ataxic? Kinetic Gait Analysis Can Tell  *
Being able to tell the difference between a mild lameness and subtle spinal ataxia is an important, yet challenging, endeavor in equine practice. Ohio State researchers recently reported that kinetic gait analysis--the computer analysis of a horse's gait--can help veterinarians distinguish between the two conditions with "excellent accuracy." "Until now, attempting to establish whether a horse's gait abnormality was due to a musculoskeletal versus ... Read full story
 3/12/2009
AAEP 2008 Milne Lecture: Neurology is Not a Euphemism for Necropsy   *
When faced with a horse exhibiting neurologic disease, the importance of a thorough physical exam and diagnostic testing cannot be emphasized enough. Stephen Reed, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., described selected equine neurologic diseases during his presentation of the prestigious Milne Lecture at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif. A ... Read full story
 2/17/2009
Research Efforts Focus on EPM Prevention  *
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is an infection of the brain and spinal cord of horses by single-celled parasites known as protozoa. EPM, which is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in horses, can be a permanently debilitating or fatal disease. The disease is most commonly (probably greater than 95% of cases) caused by the protozoa Sarcocystis neurona; occasionally, another protozoa known as Neospora hughesi also can cause ... Read full story
 1/18/2009
Opossum Patrol: Readers Share Control Strategies   *
Nearly 900 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Do you take any steps to limit opossums around your farm to reduce the chance your horses will get EPM?" Results were as follows: Yes: 52.39% (461) No: 47.61% (419) Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com are published in The Horse Health E-Newsletter. Published every week, this e-newsletter offers news on diseases, veterinary research, health events, and in-depth ... Read full story
 11/17/2008
Neurology to be Focus of AAEP State-of-the-Art Lecture  *
Stephen M. Reed, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, will deliver the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture on Dec. 8 during the American Association of Equine Practitioners' 54th Annual Convention in San Diego, Calif. Equine neurology is the focus of this year's lecture, which is sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Platinum Performance in conjunction with the AAEP Foundation, Inc. Reed is widely recognized for his commitment to the horse, equine veterinarians, ... Read full story
 6/30/2008
Ponazuril and EPM: An Ounce of Prevention  *
Researchers at the University of Florida studying equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) recently found that administering ponazuril once every seven days might prevent EPM caused by Sarcocystis neurona. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis is an important neurological disease of horses. It is typically caused by the parasite S. neurona, a protozoan parasite that penetrates the central nervous system and causes diverse neurologic signs, including ... Read full story
 4/25/2008
Vaccination Guidelines  *
Spring means vaccination time. In 2008, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Infectious Disease Committee released a revised online version of their "Guidelines for the Vaccination of Horses." Developing a vaccination schedule is not as straightforward as it sounds. So much of what you should vaccinate for depends upon such factors as where you live, how often your horse travels, how old he is, his vaccination history, and what ... Read full story
 4/21/2008
EPM Diagnosis  *
Could EPM be causing your horse's performance to be just a little off? Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) continues to be an elusive disease to prevent, diagnose, and treat. In this special collection of three articles this month, we will delve into the often-contentious world of EPM research to share what practitioners and those studying the disease have discovered. What is EPM? Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis describes an infection ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
EPM Treatment  *
To understand the best approach to treating equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), it is helpful to have a brief look at how the protozoa (single-celled parasites) that cause EPM--Sarcocystis neurona--enter the central nervous system. David Granstrom, DVM, PhD, one of the pioneer researchers into EPM when he worked at the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center, describes how the protozoa, as intracellular parasites, are able ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
EPM Prevention  *
How can you keep your horses safe from EPM? The best way to keep your horses healthy is prevent them from getting sick. Sounds absurdly simple, right? In theory, this works. But in the real world of trying to protect horses from diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), it isn't always that simple. Sharon Witonsky, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
Ever-Elusive EPM  *
Charlie (not his real name) had been a patient at our clinic on several occasions. He was always gentle and cooperative as we tried to determine what was causing his curious collection of clinical signs. He had tolerated everything from the obvious poking and prodding to neck radiographs and endoscopic exams. His visits generally centered on his odd gait and some neck stiffness. He had been treated for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), although ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
Today's EPM  *
What have we learned about equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) since it first was reported in 1995? A lot, and not enough. EPM has been called the "most overdiagnosed neurologic disease in the United States" by some researchers and veterinarians, yet we really don't know how many horses are affected each year by this disease. Estimates are that thousands show actual clinical signs that are observed by owners. Some horses have clinical signs ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
TheHorse.com Videos: News/Interviews
Interview with Dr. Duncan Peters on event horse safety (3:51 min) 4/24/08 Interview with Dr. Scott Morrison on identifying and treating thrush (4:19 min) 1/24/08 Read article French butcher's perspective on horsemeat (1:07 min) 1/14/08 Read article Interview on dentistry with Dr. Jack Easley (2:43 min) 1/10/08 Interview on the American Association of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants with President Sheri Miller (2:43 min)12/18/07 ... Read full story
 2/4/2008
Readers Respond: Encountering EPM  *
More than 1,300 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Have horses close to you experienced EPM?" Results were as follows: Yes, I owned a horse with EPM: 37.80% (502) Yes, a friend owned an EPM horse: 28.39% (377) Yes, there have been many cases around me: 26.28% (349) No: 7.53% (100) All comments submitted by poll respondents are listed below. Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com are published in The ... Read full story
 1/31/2008
New EPM Research Sheds Light on Spread of Causative Parasite  *
After years of studying equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a serious neurological disease in horses, scientists have mapped the first steps in the migratory path of Sarcocystis neurona--the chief parasitic cause of EPM. "Before now, it was unclear how the parasite gained entry to the horse's central nervous system to cause disease," explained study co-author William Saville, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, chair of the Department of Veterinary Preventive ... Read full story
 1/16/2008
Study Links New Risk Factors to EPM Infection  *
Results from a recent study on equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM)--a progressive neurological disease--identified three factors that increase a horse's risk of infection: living with cats, use for Western performance or racing, and age greater than 2 years. However, horse owners should consider the context of these findings before changing their horses' management in the hope of preventing EPM. "Considering that the available treatments for ... Read full story
 1/4/2008
Shivers in the Horse: A Review  *
John Baird, BVSc, PhD, of the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, presented information on "shivers," at the AAEP Convention 2006. Shivers has been recognized by horse owners for more than a century, and refers to a chronic nervous or neuromuscular condition that in a 1962 text was stated to be "as common as dirt." This was referring to the period when draft horse populations were much larger than today. Besides drafts and draft ... Read full story
 7/24/2007
EPM Today  *
Horses need to be serviceably sound and safe to ride to fulfill their functions. It is no wonder that equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) has been a dreaded disease ever since its rise to prominence in the 1990s, because horses with neurologic disease often don't recover to their previous athletic capacity. Neurologic problems, in general, can be some of the most unforgiving types of diseases to treat in horses. Other parts of a horse's physiology ... Read full story
 6/1/2007
Current Treatments for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis  *
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is one of the most common treatable neurological diseases of American horses and is caused by the apicomplexan protozoan Sarcocystis neurona. This protozoan penetrates the central nervous system, producing varying levels of neurological disease. In parts of the United States virtually all horses are exposed, with a small proportion (< 0.5%) exhibiting neurological symptoms. Because S. neurona can locate ... Read full story
 1/16/2007
"Tuesday Talk" Highlights Neurologic Issues  *
The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center presented "Equine Neurological Issues Over the Life Course" during its first Tuesday Talk session of the season. The seminar, which was held in Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 5, featured Martin O. Furr, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM who is the Adelaide C. Riggs Chair in Equine Medicine at the center. The meeting was attended by more than 40 veterinarians, horse owners, and horse enthusiasts. Furr, an ... Read full story
 12/24/2006
Virginia Maryland Group Works at Solving the EPM Enigma  *
Researchers have puzzled over how Sarcocystis neurona, the single-celled protozoan parasite notorious for causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), travels from the intestine, through the blood-brain barrier, and into the central nervous system to cause the neurological signs that we see in horses with EPM. A team at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) has been studying the mechanisms by which S. neurona ... Read full story
 12/7/2006
Lame or EPM?
About a year and a half ago, my horse was diagnosed with EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis), which he was treated for, and I haven't seen any signs since. Now he's having hock issues. My veterinarian injected him with pure acid (he didn't use steroids in fear of an EPM relapse). There was excess discolored fluid in all of the joints, and one was very bloody. Because they were so bad, my veterinarian came back six weeks later and injected them ... Read full story
 11/1/2006
How S. Neurona Gets to the Horse's Central Nervous System  *
Scientists have shown the protozoan parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) might enter the horse's central nervous system hidden in leukocytes (white blood cells) that cross the blood-brain barrier. "Horses are considered accidental hosts for Sarcocystis neurona (the parasite), and they often develop severe neurological disease when infected with this parasite," wrote the researchers who performed the study at the Virginia-Maryland ... Read full story
 10/9/2006
Spinal Taps Not Necessary for EPM Testing?  *
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) has been widely regarded as the only definitive way to diagnose the disease. This test can be difficult, expensive, and potentially dangerous, and according to new research from Colorado State University, it might not be necessary. Researchers found that a blood serum sample can undergo indirect fluorescent antibody testing (IFAT) and reveal not only the presence of antibodies ... Read full story
 8/1/2006
Spinal Taps Unnecessary for EPM Diagnosis?  *
While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for equine protozoal myloencephalitis (EPM) is widely regarded as the only definitive way to diagnose the disease, the difficult, expensive, and potentially dangerous test might not be necessary, according to new research from Colorado State University. This study compared different testing schemes for EPM including assessment of the value of indirect fluorescent antibody testing (IFAT) of the combination ... Read full story
 7/7/2006
Recovering From EPM
Q: My horse was diagnosed about six months ago with EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis). He is a 5-year-old gelding. This affected his hindquarters, and he is still stiff and sometimes wobbly. Is there anything I can do to help him gain his strength back? Sharon Todd, Georgia A: EPM is caused by a parasite that infects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of the horse. Clinical signs associated with EPM can be ... Read full story
 7/1/2006
Neurologic Case Shows Difficulty of Rule-Outs   *
A 24-year-old pleasure mare in Brunswick, Ga., has been diagnosed with concurrent infections of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) and equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1). Both can cause neurologic disease. This case highlights the complexity of pinpointing neurologic illnesses, which can range from Eastern equine encephalitis to West Nile virus. With multiple infections, which is causing the problems and what should you treat? Constance ... Read full story
 4/1/2006
Georgia Neurologic Case Highlights Difficulty of Rule-Outs  *
A 24-year-old pleasure mare in Brunswick, Ga., was recently diagnosed with concurrent infections of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) and equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1), both of which can cause clinical signs of neurologic disease. The mare's treating veterinarians have said the neurologic deficits the mare has shown are likely caused by the EPM more than the EHV-1. No other horse in the mare's barn has shown any signs of illness. This ... Read full story
 2/23/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Infectious Neurologic Disease  *
Sometimes subtle and often dramatic, infectious neurologic disease cases are things veterinarians never want to see, although most would like to understand them better and more easily recognize them when they appear in clients' horses. From rabies to West Nile virus (WNV), these diseases garnered their own table topic discussion at the 2005 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 3-7 in Seattle, Wash. Moderators Debra ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Early Diagnosis of EPM with Biomarkers   *
A researcher has found a reliable way to diagnose equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in the acutely affected horse by examining genetic markers in its blood. This technique could potentially be applied to detect evidence of other infectious diseases before clear clinical signs appear. Martin Furr, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, professor of internal medicine and chief of medicine at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, presented ... Read full story
 2/16/2006
EPM Check-Up  *
Although progress has been made studying equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in the last 10 years, some aspects of the disease remain elusive. One researcher, half-jokingly, notes that EPM is considered the most diagnosed neurologic disorder in horses, and the most misdiagnosed neurologic disorder in horses! It's no surprise that researchers are seeking means to accurately identify horses that have EPM. Along those lines, not knowing why some ... Read full story
 2/1/2006
Book Excerpt: No Rotation Deworming  *
Editor's Note: This is from Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. Programs that use no rotation involve the continued use of one effective drug until it no longer reduces small strongyle numbers as indicated by fecal egg counts. The intervals of administration depend on the dewormer used, but this program is limited to the use of ivermectin or the daily administration ... Read full story
 11/2/2005
EPM: Not So Common?   *
"Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a common cause of neurological disease of horses in North and South America, and results from a protozoal infection with Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi (less commonly)," said Steve Reed, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of The Ohio State University (OSU), at the Western Veterinary Conference held Feb. 20-24 in Las Vegas, Nev. But it might not be as common as was previously thought. "Why bother EPM testing?" ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
Twelve Years of EPM Research: Are We Any Smarter?  *
"I think every time we find out something about EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis), it turns up more questions," said Bill Saville, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. On March 22 at the University of Kentucky's Gluck Center in Lexington, Saville presented information from 12 years of EPM research, mainly focusing on ... Read full story
 4/25/2005
EPM Parasite Isolated from Healthy Horse's Blood   *
Scientists recently isolated the parasite that causes the neurological disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) from the blood of an immunocompetent horse--a normal, healthy horse. This research could lead to a better understanding of the way the single-celled protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona (which causes EPM) attacks a horse and the best ways to prevent and fight EPM. In 2002, scientists published a paper confirming the finding ... Read full story
 4/1/2005
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis: Less Common Than We Thought?  *
"Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a common cause of neurological disease of horses in North and South America, and results from a protozoal infection with Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi (less commonly)," stated Steve Reed, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of The Ohio State University (OSU), at the Western Veterinary Conference held Feb. 20-24 in Las Vegas, Nev. However, it might not be as common as was previously thought. "Why bother EPM testing?" ... Read full story
 3/22/2005
EPM Parasite Isolated from Healthy Horse's Blood  *
Scientists recently isolated the parasite that causes the neurological disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) from the blood of an immunocompetent horse--a normal, healthy horse. This research could lead to a better understanding of the way the single-celled protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona (which causes EPM) attacks a horse and the best ways to prevent and fight EPM. COURTESY DR. LINDA MANSFIELD An example of S. neurona ... Read full story
 3/2/2005
EPM: Still an Enigma or Under Control?   *
Dynamic discussions about future equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) diagnostic methods and current EPM treatments were sparked at a June 11 meeting of the Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis Society (EPMS) in Minneapolis, Minn. The event, titled "EPM: Still an Enigma or Under Control?" was held in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine annual convention, and it attracted more than 50 veterinarians. EPM is caused ... Read full story
 8/1/2004
EPM: Still an Enigma or Under Control?  *
What veterinarians know about the still-emerging disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) has advanced so quickly that the textbooks can hardly keep current. This was especially evidenced by information presented at a dynamic meeting of the Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis Society (EPMS) held on June 11 in Minneapolis, Minn., titled "EPM: Still an Enigma or Under Control?" The event, which was held in conjunction with the American College ... Read full story
 6/30/2004
AAEP 2003: Neurologic In-Depth Session  *
With equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), equine herpesvirus type-1 myeloencephalitis (EHV-1, more specifically EHM), and West Nile virus (WNV) on the radar of so many U.S. veterinarians, it only made sense to devote a four-hour segment of the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners' convention to neurologic disease and disorders. Assessing neurologic conditions might seem difficult, but with practice and attention to the subtle differences ... Read full story
 3/2/2004
AAEP Wrap-Up: Neurologic Disease/WNV  *
Subclinical Exposure Rate to WNV It's extremely important to vaccinate horses at least two months before the West Nile virus (WNV) season, according to Maureen Long, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, assistant professor of large animal veterinary medicine at the University of Florida. She presented rough data regarding 2001 Florida WNV exposure rates. "Little is known about the occurrence of subclinical exposure in horses (how many horses have been ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
AAEP 2003: What is EPM?  *
In 1964, this condition was described as segmental myelitis, noted Kenton Morgan, DVM, Dipl. ACT, a Bayer Animal Health technical service veterinarian at the Horseman’s Day seminar during the AAEP Convention. He added that necropsy exams showed sections of spinal cord affected, but at that time scientists didn't know what was causing the problem. In 1976, the problem was given its current name, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). “Myelo” refers ... Read full story
 2/3/2004
New EPM Treatment Approved   *
On Nov. 19 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Navigator for treating equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This drug has been under development for more than six years. IDEXX Laboratories of Westbrook, Maine, received approval for the 32% nitazoxanide antiprotozoal oral paste designed to kill the single-celled protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona, which causes EPM. (Read more on EPM at www.TheHorse.com/epm.) Navigator ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
More on the New EPM Treatment   *
(Revised 12/5/03) Horse owners have a new option for treating equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) following the Nov. 19 U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of nitazoxanide. This medication has been under development as an EPM treatment for more than six years. IDEXX Laboratories of Westbrook, Maine, received approval for the product, called Navigator, which is a 32% nitazoxanide antiprotozoal oral paste designed to kill the single-celled ... Read full story
 12/3/2003
FDA Approves New EPM Treatment  *
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. announced Nov. 19 that it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market and sell Navigator (32% nitazoxanide) antiprotozoal oral paste, a new treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). EPM is a progressive, degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can cause serious or even fatal neurological problems in horses. Sarcocystic neurona, the causative protozoan parasite, ... Read full story
 11/20/2003
Folic Acid Supplementation   *
Sulphadiazine and pyrimethamine are used in combination to treat equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). These drugs interfere with folic acid (folate) metabolism, a vitamin essential for survival of the causative protozoon Sarcocystis neurona. In human patients, these drugs can cause folate deficiency. Signs of deficiency include bone marrow suppression and ulcerations of the tongue (glossitis). Supplementation with folate would seem reasonable, ... Read full story
 11/1/2003
The Latest on EPM Research   *
The annual American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists met July 19-22 with presentations on many equine-related topics. The EPM Society held a roundtable during that meeting after presentations from top EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis) researchers, discussing topics such as whether horses can be a natural intermediate hosts in the Sarcocystis neurona life cycle, and whether other parasites can cause EPM. Life Cycle Includes Horse? ... Read full story
 9/1/2003
The Latest on EPM   *
Is it possible that the horse is a natural intermediate host in the life cycle of the parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), meaning the parasite can develop to a reproductive state in the horse? Are there other parasites that cause EPM? Can Strongid C 2X daily dewormer prevent infection in horses with Sarcocystis neurona? Does shipping a horse twice increase his risk of developing clinical signs of EPM? The annual American ... Read full story
 7/23/2003
EPM Testing in Foals   *
Diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) involves a technique called Western blotting (WB), which identifies antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, the parasite responsible for the disease. A positive result on WB does not guarantee current infection, but rather exposure, since antibodies and not organisms are being identified. Currently, young foals with neurological disease are regularly tested for EPM using WB. There is concern ... Read full story
 7/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Preventing EPM  *
"Why should we be concerned about EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis)?" asked William J.A. Saville, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, of The Ohio State University (OSU). "Because it is still an important equine disease, although we have a low incidence of the disease, and regardless of therapies available to treat EPM, it still results in neurological deficits." Saville presented a summary of what is known about EPM, and he believes that with better ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Kester News Hour   *
Probably the best-attended session of the AAEP annual convention, the Kester News Hour provides brief reports of studies that were too new or too brief to be included in the longer scientific sessions. Larry Bramlage, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, the president-elect of the AAEP and a surgeon at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.; and John Madigan, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of medicine and epidemiology and section chief for equine medicine ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Reproduction   *
The reproduction session was something of an A to Z seminar. It started with discussions on endometrial echotexture (ultrasound results) and using computer analysis to determine when a mare will ovulate, or has ovulated, and along the way included a French researcher describing how to turn an unbred mare which has previously given birth into a nurse mare capable of producing enough milk to sustain a foal until weaning time. Ultrasound to Predict ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP 2002: Reproduction  *
The reproduction session at the annual AAEP meeting in Orlando, Fla., was something of an A to Z seminar with an international flavor. It started with speakers from North America presenting discussions on endometrial echotexture (ultrasound results) and using computer analysis to determine when a mare will ovulate, or has ovulated, and along the way included a French researcher describing how to turn an unbred female that has not given birth into ... Read full story
 2/4/2003
AAEP 2002: Kester News Hour  *
Probably the best-attended session of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual convention, the Kester News Hour provides brief reports of studies that were too new or too brief to be included in the longer scientific sessions. Larry Bramlage, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, the president-elect of the AAEP and a surgeon at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., and John Madigan, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of Medicine ... Read full story
 2/3/2003
AAEP 2002: Prevention of EPM   *
“Why should we be concerned about EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis)?” asked William J.A. Saville, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, of The Ohio State University (OSU) at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention. “Because it is still an important equine disease, although we have a low incidence of the disease, and regardless of therapies available to treat EPM, it still results in neurological deficits.” Saville presented ... Read full story
 1/14/2003
EPM Medication Q&A  *
My horse was diagnosed with EPM last year. We tried Baycox for one month--no change. Since then, he has been on a daily dosage of sulfadiazine/pyrimethamine combination (SDZ/PYR) for approximately nine months. Would it be advisable to give him Marquis and SDZ/PYR together? One veterinarian says yes, another no. Also, isn't staying on the SDZ/PYR indefinitely compromising his gastrointestinal health? The horse has had two spinal taps and his numbers ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
AAEP Convention 2001: Veterinary Forums   *
The day before the scientific sessions started during the AAEP Convention, there was a series of forums and committee meetings. These were moderated by selected experts in those fields, and were open to anyone for a majority of the time. The last 45 minutes of the meetings were open only to AAEP members to discuss anything they felt was too sensitive to broach during open sessions. This schedule was different from last year, when all sessions were ... Read full story
 2/1/2002
Sea Otter an EPM Intermediate Host   *
Researchers recently identified the sea otter as a natural intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona, the one-celled protozoan parasite that causes equine protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). Muscle from a naturally-infected sea otter used in the study was used to induce sporocyst shedding in laboratory-raised opossums. How sea otters in their natural habitat become infected with S. neurona is unknown. "Although our understanding of the epizootiology ... Read full story
 1/24/2002
S. neurona antibody prevalence in horses at Morehead State  *
From Equine Disease Quarterly, Funded by Underwriters at Lloyd's, London, Brokers, and Their Kentucky Agents, http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/VetScience/q_jan02/q-jan02.htm. Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is an infectious, degenerative protozoal disease of the central nervous system of the horse. The causative agent of EPM has been identified as Sarcocystis neurona. Dr. David Granstrom developed the first pre-mortem test for the presence ... Read full story
 1/9/2002
Raccoon Another EPM Natural Intermediate Host  *
Researchers at the USDA and The Ohio State University (OSU) have found that the raccoon can serve as an intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona, the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes the neurological disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The study was published in a recent issue of Veterinary Parasitology. Another paper published in the same journal suggests that S. neurona exposure rates (indicated by serological or blood ... Read full story
 11/14/2001
EPM Prevention  *
Horse owners worried about equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) take note: In the next few months, there could be several new products reaching the market designed to treat or prevent this neurological disease caused by a single-celled protozoal parasite. Some will be medications approved by the FDA for treatment; one potentially will be a daily feed additive that like a daily dewormer will protect the horse constantly at a low dose. A vaccine ... Read full story
 11/2/2001
FDA Approves First EPM Treatment   *
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first drug to treat equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses. Bayer Animal Health of Shawnee Mission, Kan., is the sponsor of the drug ponazuril, which will have the trade name Marquis. EPM is a neurological disease caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona, which is widespread in North America, South America, and Canada. EPM is the leading cause of neurological ... Read full story
 11/1/2001
Skunk Revealed as an EPM Intermediate Host   *
Researchers have discovered that the striped skunk can serve as an intermediate host in the laboratory for Sarcocystis neurona, the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The striped skunk's range of habitat encompasses much of the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico, so this discovery better explains the wide geographic distribution of EPM in horses. This study was a collaboration of researchers ... Read full story
 11/1/2001
EPM Treatment Research  *
More than 50 years ago, horses at The Jockey Club in San Paulo, Brazil, were suffering from a neurologic disease that caused muscle wasting. In 1964, that same disease was seen in North America. Robert MacKay, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, gave this timeline as a preamble to his discussion of the knowledge, treatment, and prevention of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM)--the leading cause ... Read full story
 11/1/2001
Armadillo Linked To EPM  *
A recent study from the University of Florida found that the nine-banded armadillo is an intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona, the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes the neurological disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The study was published in the most recent issue of the International Journal for Parasitology. It is known that the opossum is the definitive host for S. neurona, and that the horse is an aberrant, intermediate ... Read full story
 11/1/2001
EPM: Hope At Last  *
It seems to work! Because of research on new drug treatments for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), horse owners might soon be able to kill the parasite that they now only can control effectively about 60% of the time. Preliminary research at the Gluck Equine Research Center in Kentucky by David Granstrom, DVM, MSc, PhD, and Thomas Tobin, MVB, MSc, PhD, MRCVS, Diplomate American Board of Toxicology, has shown that Diclazuril has turned around ... Read full story
 10/10/2001
Studies on Vitamin E  *
Researchers at Oregon State University and elsewhere are continuing to examine the role of vitamin E in horse health, including disease prevention and therapy. In particular, vitamin E deficiencies and/or supplementation could be important factors in equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy, equine motor neuron disease, and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a disease of the spinal cord and brain ... Read full story
 10/9/2001
Researchers Declare War On EPM  *
According to a number of researchers across the country, anything less than an all-out scientific assault on several fronts will not result in a victory in the battle to conquer equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Veterinary schools, equine research centers, private practitioners, and pharmaceutical companies have joined the battle against this devastating and costly disease. Like other facilities, the strategy of the Center for Equine Health ... Read full story
 9/17/2001
EPM Vaccine Argument  *
When there is a new drug or vaccine going through the approval process with FDA or USDA, there are certain criteria that have to be met. We discuss this in-depth in our article that begins on page 37. The federal government also accepts input from the public when a regulated product is undergoing official scrutiny. This is a chance for individuals and professionals in the industry to raise concerns about a product that they feel could harm an animal, ... Read full story
 9/13/2001
EPM Update  *
The words equine protozoal myeloencephalitis first appeared in this publication more than five years ago, and while the scientific community has made great advances in unraveling certain aspects of this disease, other areas still beg for answers. In the past, increased awareness--and fear--of EPM led to it being "diagnosed" as the cause of everything from lameness to a change in behavior. Now, horse owners and their veterinarians are accepting that ... Read full story
 9/12/2001
Marquis Unveiled  *
The first FDA-approved treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), Marquis, was launched Aug. 23 at Bayer's headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. Robert MacKay, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, discussed the knowledge, treatment, and prevention of EPM, which is the leading cause of neurologic problems in horses. (For more on EPM, see http://www.thehorse.com/epm) The Testing of Marquis The ... Read full story
 8/31/2001
If All Else Fails, Use Baycox?
Several Standardbred trainers have told me that when a vet cannot find what is wrong with their horses, the vet will suggest putting them on Baycox. I recently had two vets tell me to try my 3-year-old trotter on Baycox. They had gone all over him and thought that might help him where nothing else has. He has had no tests, blood or spinal. So my question is: What else can this drug do to help a horse? Does it treat other things, not just EPM? ... Read full story
 8/1/2001
"In the News" Seminar  *
An attentive audience gathered to learn more about foot and mouth disease (FMD), West Nile virus (WNV), and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) from experts on Friday, April 27, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. Peter Timoney, FRCVS, PhD, Head of the Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Ky., and William Saville, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, of The Ohio State University, were the featured speakers at the seminar held at the Kentucky ... Read full story
 7/1/2001
Michigan EPM Studies--Exposure, Testing, Control  *
Research from Michigan State University (MSU) estimates that 60% of horses in the state have been exposed to Sarcocystis neurona, the parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Analysis showed that seroprevalence (presence of EPM antibodies in horses) was lowest in the colder parts of the state that had the fewest opossums. Increasing age and exposure to pasture were associated with increased odds of being positive. No association ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
EPM: The Next Step(s)  *
EPM research is proceeding at a fast pace across the country, as you will see in our EPM Special Report this month. There are many questions to be answered, and many of those answers result in more questions. Here are some of the knowns, and the unknowns. It is known that many horses are exposed to the parasite that causes EPM and thus develop antibodies against the parasite (50-100% of some populations), but only 0.5-1.0% of horses with antibodies ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Armadillo Linked to EPM  *
A recent study from the University of Florida found that the nine-banded armadillo is an intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona, the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes the neurological disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The study was published in the most recent issue of the International Journal for Parasitology. It is known that the opossum is the definitive host for S. neurona, and that the horse is an aberrant, intermediate ... Read full story
 5/25/2001
EPM Study  *
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious and often fatal neurologic disease of equids. Animals affected by EPM can demonstrate a variety of clinical abnormalities, and signs can vary tremendously in severity. Classically, horses with EPM develop a variety of asymmetric neurologic deficits including gait abnormalities, ataxia, weakness, and muscle wasting. However, symmetric neurologic abnormalities are also seen frequently. According ... Read full story
 5/25/2001
Contagious Critters  *
Diseases from other animals pose a constant threat to our horses. Disease-causing agents, or pathogens, lurk in local wildlife, fly overhead in birds, and lay in the next field inside cows peacefully chewing their cuds. These disease agents--whether fungi, bacteria, or viruses--are just waiting for the opportunity to cross over into a horse. The diseases vary in circumstance, severity, and methods of transmission. We turned to John Timoney, MVB, ... Read full story
 5/1/2001
Hear The Latest On FMD, EPM, and WNV  *
Tonight The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care will conduct a free seminar for horse owners and industry professionals addressing EPM, West Nile, and Foot and Mouth disease concerns. The seminar is at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor's Information Center from 5-7 pm. The seminar coincides with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the horse park. Speakers include Dr. Bill Saville, of The Ohio State University, and Dr. Peter Timoney, of the Gluck ... Read full story
 4/27/2001
The Latest From Experts on FMD, EPM, and WNV  *
The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care will conduct a free seminar for horse owners and industry professionals addressing EPM, West Nile, and Foot and Mouth disease concerns. The seminar will be Friday, April 27, 2001, at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor's Information Center from 5-7 pm. The seminar coincides with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the horse park. Speakers will include Dr. Bill Saville, of The Ohio State University, and Dr. ... Read full story
 4/20/2001
Get The Latest Information On The EPM Vaccine  *
Fort Dodge Animal Health has launched their web site, epmvaccine.com, to provide the latest information on the new Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) vaccine. Visit http://www.epmvaccine.com, and choose Technical or Consumer Information. The EPM vaccine web site was developed as a guide to give veterinarians and horse owners a quick overview of EPM and its ramifications. Included in the Technical section is information on the disease and ... Read full story
 4/13/2001
In The News: A Free Seminar For Horse Owners  *
A free seminar for horse owners and industry leaders about the latest on EPM, West Nile, and Foot and Mouth Disease will be presented Friday, April 27, 2001 at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor's Information Center from 5-7 pm. The seminar will coincide with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Featured speakers include Dr. Bill Saville of The Ohio State University, and Dr. Peter Timoney of the Gluck Equine Research Center. Fact sheets and handouts ... Read full story
 4/6/2001
Special Report: EPM  *
The world of equine health will never be the same. That statement seems out of context when talking about one research project about one parasite that causes one disease. But, horse owners know that equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM)--the multi-faceted neurologic disease caused by the single-celled protozoal parasite Sarcocystis neurona--is a tremendous problem in the horse industry. One research group estimated that just the diagnosis and ... Read full story
 3/1/2001
EPM Vaccine
I am very excited to hear that there is a vaccine for EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis)! Three and a half years ago, I had to put down an outstanding colt who was only 14 months old. He suffered from both CVM (cervical vertebral myelopathy) and EPM. The vet did not seem to feel that the EPM was severe and probably was a new infection. Since the colt came from New Mexico in the desert area at six months of age, it is not likely that he contracted ... Read full story
 3/1/2001
EPM Vaccine Licensed  *
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Dec. 18 that it had issued a conditional license to Fort Dodge Laboratories, Inc., of Fort Dodge, Iowa, a division of American Home Products, Inc., for a vaccine intended to aid in the prevention of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issues conditional product licenses under its regulatory authority to meet an emergency condition, limited ... Read full story
 2/2/2001
EPM: A Vet's View  *
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious neurological disease and a common cause of ataxia (lack of coordinated movements) and weakness in horses. The causative agent of EPM is Sarcocystis neurona, a protozoan parasite that infects the central nervous system of horses. Recent evidence indicates that the seroprevalence (presence of antibodies in the blood against S. neurona) of infection in some areas of the United States is greater than ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Raccoon Another EPM Natural Intermediate Host   *
Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Ohio State University (OSU) have found that the raccoon can serve as an intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona, the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes the neurological disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The study was published in a recent issue of Veterinary Parasitology. Another paper published in the same journal suggests that S. neurona exposure ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Final NAHMS Equine '98 Study Information Released   *
Lameness ranks as the most expensive health issue for horse owners nationwide (as compared to colic and EPM), according to the United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Equine '98 Study. NAHMS recently released four information sheets pertaining to equine health. These are the final products of the Equine '98 Study, which was designed to provide educational and research information on America's equine ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
EPM Vaccine Is Licensed  *
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Dec. 18 that it had issued a conditional license to Fort Dodge Laboratories, Inc., of Fort Dodge, Iowa, a division of American Home Products, Inc., for a vaccine intended to aid in the prevention of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issues conditional product licenses under its regulatory authority to meet an emergency condition, limited ... Read full story
 12/29/2000
Rehabilitating the EPM Horse  *
Your horse was diagnosed with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, but with quick intervention by your veterinarian, careful administration of medications, and lots of nursing, he is on his way to recovery and being "cured" of the parasite. At that point, almost everyone has lots of well-intended advice on how to get your horse back to 100% fitness. There are a few nay-sayers who claim your horse will never be at full fitness again. Fact is, even ... Read full story
 5/1/1999
EPM  *
Leading researchers in the quest for the solution to equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) lectured to a packed room at the North American Veterinary Conference. While the protocol didn't allow for debate among the speakers, debate underscored the sessions anyway. Several "givens" about EPM were questioned. Diagnostics and treatment protocols were bandied back and forth. And the unknowns of the life cycle of the causative protozoal agent, Sarcocystis ... Read full story
 3/1/1999
EPM Update   *
By Kimberly S. Herbert and Tom Hall At first, veterinarians and researchers were scrambling to discover anything about the "new" neurologic disease that was causing such a stir in the horse industry. The disease, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), was discovered to be caused by a one-celled protozoal parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. This parasite does not include the horse in its normal life cycle (which means horses can't pass it to ... Read full story
 2/1/1999
Infectious Diseases  *
Viral infections of the equine respiratory tract are a veterinary challenge. They occur frequently and result in major economic loss to the horse industry. Currently available vaccines are not completely effective in controlling respiratory diseases, and the growth in international travel contributes to their spread. The most common and important causes of viral respiratory disease in the horse are equine influenza and equine herpesviruses. Both ... Read full story
 6/1/1998
Choices  *
Do we have an obligation to our industry? Does our industry have an obligation to us? (Sounds a little Kennedyesque.) If your neighbor has a horse with strangles, would you expect him or her to tell you so you can protect your horses? If you had a contagious disease on your farm, would you tell your neighbors? If you had something that could help your neighbors' horses, and it really wouldn't cost you a thing to provide it to them, would you have ... Read full story
 4/1/1998
EPM Drug Available Direct To Veterinarians   *
The Food and Drug Administration is allowing licensed veterinarians to submit a request to be allowed to import Diclazuril from Canada to treat horses affected by equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Diclazuril is licensed for use in Canada in broiler chickens, but the FDA is willing to let veterinarians import a limited amount of the drug for use in no more than four horses. Veterinarians must notify clients that the drug does not have FDA ... Read full story
 12/1/1997
 



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