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