Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a bit like a rock star: highly Googled, morbidly fascinating, yet oftentimes completely misunderstood

“The EPM story is truly a success story for modern veterinary research. Twenty-five years ago we became aware of an enigmatic parasitic infection of the nervous system of the horse. Since then, veterinary and affiliated scientists have determined the cause of the illness, worked out a complicated life cycle, described the epidemiology of the disease, developed specific tests to diagnose infection, and developed pharmaceutical agents to treat the infection. This highlights the importance of research in all aspects of an illness, and research’s contribution toward the final goal of effective means of prevention or treatment in individual animals.“–Excerpt from an article written by Martin Furr, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, professor and Adelaide C. Riggs Chair in Equine Medicine at Virginia Tech’s Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (on behalf of the Equine Research Coordination Group www.aaep.org/equine_research_co_group.htm) published by TheHorse.com in January (article #13462).

While Furr succinctly summarizes the tremendous advances that the equine industry has enjoyed in the field of EPM research, there is much to be learned regarding this potentially fatal neurologic disease in horses. Further, there remains a great deal of controversy–even among the EPM experts–pertaining to basic EPM facts. Among owners/trainers and equine practitioners, myths continue to be perpetuated about the “best way” to diagnose, treat, and prevent the disease