Early clinical signs of this disease include: falling, or peculiar hoof placement. An advanced disease can be seen as marked incoordination, toe dragging, lameness, inability to chew and/or swallow, blindness, seizures and paralysis.

Diagnosis of EPM is based on presence of clinical signs along with analysis of a blood sample and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). A positive blood test indicates a horse has been exposed to the parasite, but not that he necessarily has the disease. A positive CSF test along with clinical signs confirms the diagnosis and warrants a treatment.

In the past several years there has been a tremendous effort in researching this disease. What has been determined thus far: * EPM can affect horses of any age, breed or sex * There is no vaccine for EPM * EPM can’t be passed from horse to horse * Horses acquire EPM through pasture/hay, grain and water that has been contaminated with opossum feces containing Sarococystis neurona * Contamination of feed or water with opossum feces may occur indirectly through birds or insects as well as directly through opossums * Early detection and treatment increase the chances of recovery

If you are concerned about your horse’s potential exposure to the disease, I recommend you attempt to rid your pastures and stable areas of opossums through humane measures. Keep feed bins and water receptacles clean and rodent proof.

It’s important not to panic. Because testing is expensive, it isn’t recommended routinely. Nevertheless, if you see your horse exhibiting any of the signs above, be sure to call your vet. Symptoms of EPM are similar to other diseases and a veterinarian should examine the animal to determine if testing is needed.