Ashutosh Verma, BVSc, MVSc, graduate research assistant in the laboratory of John Timoney, BSc, MVB, MRCVS, MS, PhD, DSc, Keeneland Association Chair in Equine Science, at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, recently presented his leptospiral equine recurrent uveitis (ERU, or moon blindness) research. Verma has identified leptospiral proteins that actually prime immune responses in the horse’s eye for ERU.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis (the bacteria affects both humans and animals) throughout the world and can cause abortion, infertility, lowered milk production, and ERU. The disease can be contracted through cuts, abrasions, even intact mucus membranes or ingesting contaminated soil or feedstuffs