Methods of Prevention
Unfortunately, there is little horse owners can do to adequately protect their horses from infection with EPM. At best, good horse-keeping practices will discourage unwanted visitors such as opossums, other rodents and birds from contaminating hay, grain and bedding.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Keep feed rooms and containers closed and sealed.
- Use feeders which minimize spillage and are difficult for wild animals to access.
- Clean up any dropped grain immediately to discourage birds and other scavengers.
- Feed heat-treated cereal grains and extruded feeds since these processes seem to kill the infective sporocysts.
- Keep water tanks clean and filled with clean fresh water.
- Maximize your horse's health and fitness through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine deworming and vaccinations.
- Schedule regular appointments with your equine veterinarian.
Learn More: Ongoing Research