opossums and horses

Opossums have become increasing more populated in Ontario in recent years and seem to be adapting to our winter weather which is bad news for horse owners as possums carry a single celled protozoa in their intestines which the horse may come in contact with through possum feces. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis causes neurological damage and although not all exposed horses will develop epm after being exposed to the protozoa horse that do end up with major nervous system damage and it can also lead to death . opossums are mainly nocturnal so keeping foodstuffs locked up and barn and stable doors closed will help as will immediate removal of any opossums found in your barn or stable and cleanup of any possum feces