A farm in Northern New Jersey experienced high abortion rates in early June in fields where there were Eastern tent caterpillars. Samples from those aborted fetuses were sent to the University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center for testing. Findings were consistent with mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), according to Jeff Beach, a public information officer with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. No further information was available.

Kentucky has reported only one confirmed case of MRLS this year, and Florida reported thee confirmed cases and two suspect cases.