Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis Welfare

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis is a neurological disease of horses caused by Sarcocystis neurona, causing welfare impacts from neurological dysfunction.

Key Facts

EPM affects horses across the Americas where Sarcocystis neurona is endemic
Clinical signs range from subtle gait abnormalities to severe ataxia and recumbency
Opossums are the definitive host and horses become infected by ingesting contaminated feed
Treatment with antiprotozoal drugs results in improvement in 60-70% of cases
Severe EPM cases with recumbency may require euthanasia on welfare grounds

Welfare Considerations

EPM causes neurological suffering ranging from mild discomfort to severe disability. Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes and reduces duration of suffering. Preventive feed management to reduce opossum access decreases exposure risk in endemic areas.

What You Can Do

Store horse feed in rodent and wildlife-proof containers to reduce EPM exposure risk
Seek prompt veterinary assessment for any horse showing neurological signs
Support EPM research funding through equine welfare organisations