What is EPM? EPM, or Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, is a neurologic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona. Although this disease has gained wide spread attention in recent years, it has actually been recognized as a disease in horses since 1964. It has been said that EPM occurs most commonly in Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses, and in horses aged 1-6, however, ANY breed of horse at ANY age can be diagnosed with EPM. The disease is also most common … [Read more...]
Can I Catch That? Common Pathogens Transmissible Between Horses and Humans
Expanding upon this month’s topic of Biosecurity I wanted to address a common question we as vets get asked by clients: Can I catch that from my horse? The answer in some cases is yes; there are certain viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi that can be transmitted back and forth between owners and their horses. In the United States the list includes; rabies virus, bacteria such as Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Methicillin resistant … [Read more...]