A second foal has been confirmed as having died from mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) in Florida, according to Dana Zimmel, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ABVP, of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The first case was a Thoroughbred foal from the University of Florida research herd, the second was a Quarter Horse foal born on a private farm. Both mares foaled in Alachua County, and both foals were born alive, were hospitalized, but were euthanatized due to their deteriorating conditions.

The first foal was born on March 18 and died on March 20. The University of Florida herd of research mares lives near Ocala, Fla., until about 30 days prior to foaling, when they are brought to the university’s farm in Alachua County.

The Quarter Horse foal was born on a private farm on March 25 and died on March 26.

Zimmel said there is still one suspect case that was a late-term abortion from a Thoroughbred mare from the University of Florida breeding herd