Learn About Equine Protazoal Myeloencephalitis at EPMhorse.org
Monday June 22, 2009
It wasn't that long ago that EPM wasn't a concern in my area. 
Photo 2007 Richard Dudley
The main host of the disease, the opposom, did not live here. Blame it on global warming, urbanization or containers and transport trucks accidentally bringing these marsupials north, but we now need to be as aware of this disease as our neighbors to the south. Four years ago, when I first saw an opossum cross a road in front of me I wasn't sure what I was looking at, but now farmers are finding them living in their haylofts, and I've seen several hit on roadsides. I've also heard of people raising orphaned litters of opposums, which as a horse owner, I have mixed feelings about. Whether or not I like them, apparently they've come to stay. If you share your countryside with opossums you need to be aware of the possibility of EPM, a potentially deadly neurological disease. EPMhorse.org is one site that contains up-to-date information about the cause, symptoms and treatment of Equine Protazoal Myeloencephalitis.
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Comments
Katherine,
Thank you for posting about the new EPM site. Reasearchers agree that early detection and treatment of the disease is important for the horse’s recovery. This requires a knowledgeable owner who can identify symptoms early in the disease, and get veterinary help for the horse. If owners will spend 30 minutes reading about prevention and symptoms, they can help their horses.