A report was issued today by Jimmy Henning, Extension Forage Specialist in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. The text follows:



Many questions have been raised about whether it is safe to increase time on pasture for mares or mares and foals. Based on extensive pasture sampling, consultation with practicing veterinarians, last yearís history and current field observations, the following are considered the best facts and recommendations regarding pasture use at this time.


No causal agent for MRLS has been identified, and therefore it is impossible to know the extent of its distribution in any given field.


Pastures that have defoliated cherry or ornamental trees in, around or near them have been consistently implicated in observed cases of MRLS. Limiting time on a pasture (with cherry trees or caterpillar exposure) has not been enough to totally eliminate MRLS

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