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Discussion on Testing feces for EPM??

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Brenda
Member
Username: Brenda71

Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2004
Posted on Sunday, Mar 27, 2005 - 1:51 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post
Is it possible to test animal feces to see if it is infected with the organism that causes EPM? And, if so, who can I contact to find out how/where to do this?
We purchased sample bales of hay from some people and when I was picking out bales to throw down some had animal feces on top of the bale. The feces looked like small-med. size dog feces. I'm sure it wasn't dog feces, though, as it was on the top layer of hay right against the roof rafters. I did not take any bales that had feces on them.
I would just pass on purchasing any more hay from these people except that this is very good quality hay at a very good price.
Does the organism that causes EPM stay in the feces or exit the feces and live in the environment in the surrounding area?
Any thoughts would be appreciated :-)
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 12408
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Monday, Mar 28, 2005 - 7:30 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
There is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the purpose of identifying this organism in feces. However I imagine only research labs are running this test Brenda. You could have your veterinarian check with your state lab, local veterinary school, and the lab at Ames Iowa.

I have not seen any work on this but believe the organism stays in the feces though water certainly could break down the stools and leach out the parasite and release it into the environment.
DrO
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Brenda
Member
Username: Brenda71

Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2004
Posted on Monday, Mar 28, 2005 - 9:35 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
Thank you, Dr.Oglesby :-)
Do you know how long the organism can live in the feces?
Click on my name and check out my babies!
Brenda
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 12418
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Tuesday, Mar 29, 2005 - 9:05 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
Not only can I not find any information on EPM and environmental persistance but it appears unstudied in any Sarcocystis sp. Do to the prevalence of exposure in horses, it seems likely that it is very persistant.
DrO
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Brenda
Member
Username: Brenda71

Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2004
Posted on Tuesday, Mar 29, 2005 - 11:01 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
Thank you for taking your time to look.
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