A herd-level analysis of risk factors for antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona in Michigan equids

M. G. Rossano, J. B. Kaneene, J. V. Marteniuk, B. D. Banks, H. C. Schott, L. S. Mansfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease of horses and ponies caused by infection of the central nervous system with the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona. A herd-level analysis of a cross-sectional study of serum antibodies to S. neurona in Michigan equids was conducted, using data collected in 1997 for study that included 1121 equids from 98 Michigan horse farms. Our objective was to identify specific herd-level risk factors associated with seropositivity. We tested associations between herd seroprevalence and various farm-management practices (including feed-storage methods and wildlife control). Multivariable models were developed for three strata based on relative opossum abundance (opossum districts). Herd seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 100% (median = 57%). No risk factor was significantly associated with herd seroprevalence at P ≤ 0.05 in all opossum districts. Our results suggest that equids living in areas with large opossum populations might be infected with S. neurona from multiple sources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-13
Number of pages7
JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine
Volume57
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 2003

Keywords

  • Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM)
  • Horse
  • Opossum
  • Sarcocystis neurona

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Animals
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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