astreakinchic - 2017-02-08 8:05 AM
streakysox - 2017-02-08 9:02 AM
cn1705 - 2017-02-07 6:13 PM
Can the protozoal parasite that causes EPM live without a host? If not, how long after the parasite live after exists the opossums body? Thanks!!
I would say a long time. It is very close to the the protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis from dirty kitty litter pans. A couple of points to ponder here---possum poop can get raked up in hay whether round or square bales. Barn cats that live in the hay are very suspect also because they may pee or poop in the hay.
A lot of ppl are just treating for it once a year as precaution now. Because supposedly they all have it only immune compromised horses become systematic. Treating kills what protozoa a healthy horse does have living inside them.