Do you test for EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)?
We do have assays designed to detect the causing agents of EPM, Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi. It is important to note, however, that these pathogens are rarely found in the blood or cerebral spinal fluid of an infected horse. Therefore, PCR testing of neurologic horses using either blood or CSF is not recommended, as this will generate false negative results. Concrete diagnosis of EPM relies on the detection of antibodies against the two Apicomplexan parasites in blood and/or CSF using the quantitative serological IFAT. The Immunology Lab at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC Davis offers such antibody testing (530-752-7373).
