“In the final analysis, we do not understand this disease,” said Bruce Webb, PhD, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky who has been a leading researcher into the problem of mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS).

Webb and Karen McDowell, PhD, a reproduction specialist from the Gluck Equine Research Center at the university, presented a synopsis of the MRLS research conducted thus far to a small, invited gathering of representatives of about 40-45 Thoroughbred farms. The meeting, held at Keeneland this afternoon (Jan. 6), was designed to educate those who could help raise $800,000 or more to fund studies of the mechanisms of MRLS for the next 12-24 months. The funds will be overseen by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB) Foundation. Any monies not used for MRLS research would stay in the foundation to fund reproductive research and to be an emergency fund in case of a future crisis