The following information was produced by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture from Wayne Long (pwlong@uky.edu) and Jimmy Henning (jhenning@uky.edu) of the Department of Agronomy (859/257-3144). This article also can be seen on the university’s web site at https://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/mrls/2002/1202SentinalSummary.html.

Overview
Data collected by the monitoring program clearly eliminated some of the potential causative agents for mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), such as cyanide content of white clover, mineral balances in forages, and the presence of certain poisonous plants. The monitoring program also strongly confirmed the link between MRLS and the presence of Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC), while finding a possible involvement of endophyte infected tall fescue with late fetal losses on certain farms.

The 2002 MRLS monitoring program began Feb. 21 and ended June 28. During that time, data and samples from 12 horse farms (Thoroughbred and Standardbred) and one hay production farm (alfalfa and timothy for horses) were collected and analyzed. As a result, we were able to be in close contact with farms, farm managers, and practicing veterinarians and assist in consultation to moderate or prevent MRLS