@nolinriverwildlife: 🐴✨ Let’s Talk EPM, Opossums, and Horses ✨🐴 We often hear: “If there are opossums around, my horse will get EPM.” The truth? It’s not that simple. 👉 What is EPM? Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease in horses caused mainly by a microscopic parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. Opossums are the definitive host—which means the parasite completes its life cycle in them—but that doesn’t mean every opossum automatically equals danger. 👉 Are opossums the only concern? Nope. Horses can also pick up the parasite indirectly through contaminated feed, water, or hay that’s been exposed to opossum feces. And keep in mind: not every opossum carries the parasite, and not every exposed horse gets sick. Other protozoa (like Neospora hughesi) can also cause EPM, and those don’t involve opossums at all. 👉 So what can horse owners do? It’s about management, not fear: • Keep feed in sealed containers. • Store hay where wildlife can’t climb or nest on top of it. • Clean up spilled grain promptly. • Protect water sources from contamination. 👉 Why you don’t need to panic about opossums Opossums are part of a healthy ecosystem—they eat ticks, venomous snakes, and lots of pests. Eradicating them isn’t the solution. Smart feed and barn management is. 💚 Instead of fearing opossums, we can focus on practical prevention and coexistence. Your horses stay safe, and our native wildlife continues doing the important jobs nature gave them.#humaneeviction #opossumlove #opossum #coexist #horse

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Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:06:49 GMT