How to Prevent EPM in Horses

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM, is one of the most dangerous diseases horses can contract, and is caused by a parasite that attacks the central nervous system. This particular parasite requires two hosts: an intermediate host (such as a skunk or opossum) and a permanent host, which is the horse. Left untreated, this disease can easily kill the permanent host, so it is better to do all you can to prevent EPM in horses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• EPM vaccination
• Airtight feed containers

1. Vaccinate your horse against EPM. This vaccination has been thoroughly tested at the University of Kentucky and other veterinary hospitals, though it is not guaranteed to protect all horses from the disease. However, it is better to be safe than sorry.
2. Purchase only heat-treated grain from responsible and reputable feed stores. Because EPM is passed to horses through feces, it is easy to obtain feed that has been contaminated if you aren't careful.
3. Store grain in airtight containers that cannot be accessed by opossums or other rodents. If you have reason to believe that the feed has been contaminated, throw it out immediately, as this is the best way to prevent EPM in horses.
4. Keep hay in a raised area that isn't easily accessible to rodents, and check it regularly for rodent feces. Hay isn't a typical cause of contamination in EPM, but it is best to be careful anyway.
5. Surround hay barns with thin mesh that will keep opossums out of the enclosure. You can also use this tactic around feed rooms as a second line of protection.
6. Check pastures, paddocks and stalls for signs that opossums or other rodents have been in them. You can prevent EPM in horses by creating opossum-free pastures, which will require a low-level electric fence that protects the ground around the field.
7. Call your veterinarian if horses demonstrate any symptoms of EPM, including ataxia, nasal noises, disorientation, disconnection between front and hind ends, and spasticity. The sooner your horses receive treatment, the better the chances for recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that horses cannot pass EPM to one another and can only contract it from an intermediate host.