While we are unaware of any research that specifically addresses your question, it is known that the sporocyte form of the Sarcocystis neurona protozoan that causes EPM in horses is very environmentally resistant. Research has shown that heating the organism to about 60 degrees Centigrade (140 degrees Fahrenheit) is required to render the organism noninfective in horses. This is why pelleted horse feed is considered to be safe as far as being a noninfective source for EPM. The pelleting process exceeds this temperature. Other research has found that several types of disinfectants (bleach, formaldehyde, etc.) are relatively ineffective at destroying the organism—and not as effective as heat. Therefore, one should consider the sporocytes in opossum feces to be tough enough to survive for long periods until proven otherwise.

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