Leptospirosis, often called just “lepto,” can cause flu-like illness in horses that sometimes results in abortion or uveitis (moon blindness). In Kentucky, there seems to be a cyclic pattern to abortions caused by leptospirosis. In 2001, there were about 40 cases, but over the past two years there were less than 10 each year. Through Jan. 12 of 2004, there have been already 27 cases, according to Neil Williams, DVM, PhD, of the University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center.

Signs of leptospirosis include mild depression, loss of appetite, and a fever of 103-105° that lasts two to three days. Abortion can occur several weeks after the fever in pregnant mares (usually during the second half of gestation), and uveitis can strike months later

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