Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis is a neurological disease affecting the horse’s central nervous system, also known as the brain and spinal cord. Horses get it from consuming contaminated food and water. It does not spread from horse to horse. Horses with this condition can be treated, although some may not fully recover. Since EPM is a neurological condition, it impacts a horse’s coordination and muscle strength and use negatively. How does it affect the equine immune system?
Horses diagnosed with EPM have lowered immunity and immune response. The expression of several immune factors either increases or decreases. There is a higher presence of sCD14 and interleukin 4, and a lower presence of interferon-gamma and antigen-specific antibody response.
All of these factors contribute to keeping horses healthy and preventing disease incidence. Continue below to learn more about the link between EPM and the equine immune system.
How Are EPM and The Equine Immune System Connected?
Many, not all, horses diagnosed with EPM have lower immunity and immune response because of the condition. The effects on the immune system come from the increase or decrease of certain immune factors in the body. One study found that infected horses have higher amounts of sCD14 in the blood serum. It is a biomarker for the inflammatory response. The increase in this marker means the body wants to create more inflammation to fight the disease. Inflammation is one of the body’s first defenses.
The second elevated factor present is interleukin 4. Interleukins are responsible for getting messages sent by white blood cells to the rest of the body. It has a higher concentration in EPM horses because white blood cells must spread their signal throughout the infected horse’s body to prevent further damage.
On the other hand, this study found decreased expression of interferon-gamma and antigen-specific antibodies. Interferon-gamma has many roles including activating macrophages, which ingest and destroy damaged cells. It also helps recognize disease-causing pathogens, process antigens, and prevent the excess proliferation of cells. Since horses with EPM have less of this factor, all of these functions are impaired. This inhibits the body’s ability to fight back.
The decrease in antigen-specific antibodies means the immune system struggles to recognize and kill antigens related to one specific illness. This leaves horses with EPM more susceptible to disease than a healthy horse.
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis Prevention
Thankfully, EPM is a preventable disease. One of the easiest measures is to keep feed and water in secure places to prevent contamination. Cleaning is necessary to keep rodents that may contaminate things from coming to the property. Inspect the property regularly to ensure that rodents are kept away.
Boosting your horse’s immunity is also important for prevention, and BioPro Armour is the best choice. Thanks to powerful thymic proteins, the immune cells within your horse will be better equipped to recognize and kill pathogens. Whether for initial immune defense or increasing immunity upon EPM onset, your horse will thank you. Visit the product page by clicking on the link above and give it a try today, we promise you won’t regret it!