Latest News – The Horse
Bacterial Involvement in MRLS
Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC), plus some bacteria, plus a mechanism to deliver bacteria to blood, equals MRLS (mare reproductive loss syndrome). This summary of a hypothesis based on accumulating data was presented at a regular weekly meeting of the entomology group at the University of Kentucky to graduate students, researchers, and a few industry visitors.
Early in the foal loss
Irritating Caterpillars
While we all were irritated to some extent by the massive amounts of caterpillars in 2001 and 2002–stepping on them, having them climb our fences, houses, cars, gates, and everything else around our homes and farms–there is new evidence that the setae (hair-like projections) on the caterpillars can become embedded in the lining of the alimentary tract (GI tract) of animals and cause
A Hairy Situation
Another new word has been added to the equine world–setae (prounced see-tay). Why? Horses have hair, caterpillars have setae. There are some researchers who hold the belief that these hair-like projections on the skin of Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) might have something to do with all the health problems seen in horses in Kentucky and surrounding states in 2001 and 2002. What has become
Setae and MRLS
Studies to determine the cause of mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) have led investigators to associate the syndrome with exposure to the Eastern tent caterpillar. Although the exact cause of MRLS remains unknown, some component of the outer covering of the caterpillar (its “exoskeleton” or “integument”) appears to be involved.
In the first study to implicate the integument
Opportunities in Equine Practice
A total of 379 veterinary students from 27 vet schools in the United States and four from Canada gathered Aug. 29-31 in Lexington, Ky., to learn about the ins and outs of being an equine veterinarian at the first annual Opportunities in Equine Veterinary Practice conference. (Click Read More
Hyperimmune Plasma for WNV Horses
Veterinarians have been using an antibody product to treat West Nile virus (WNV) clinical signs, but its use for this purpose is currently off-label (not approved by the USDA). Currently, the hyperimmune plasma product HiGamm-Equi, by Lake Immunogenics, is being examined by the USDA for conditional approval.
HiGamm-Equi is typically used for failure of passive transfer in foals–the
More on the Licensed WNV Treatment
Novartis Animal Vaccines announced Aug. 19 the conditional licensing and availability of the only antibody product approved by the USDA to help control disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in equids. This product helps an exposed animal by increasing the antibody level in the circulatory system, which enhances an animal’s ability to neutralize virus already in the blood.
For a
West Nile Virus: The Fifth Year
Even with a conditionally approved treatment for West Nile virus (WNV) available, prevention is still key. As of Sept. 9, WNV equine cases had been reported in 37 states, and only four of the continental United States (Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) had not reported WNV detection in any species. Official reports and suggestions from veterinarians experienced with the disease give
Pair Pleads ‘No Contest’ to Felony in Mare’s Killing
Two Northern California men pleaded guilty Sept. 3 to felony animal cruelty stemming from the torture death of a Thoroughbred mare in Northern California.
Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Robert Boyd set Oct. 9 for sentencing of
Morris Animal Foundation Selects 15 New Ballard Representatives
Morris Animal Foundation recently announced the appointment of 15 new Ballard Students, serving as Foundation representatives at veterinary colleges across the United States and in Canada. As Foundation ambassadors, Ballard Students educat
Auburn University Opens New Veterinary Hospital
Auburn University has completed construction on its new John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital, which was dedicated on August 29.
See images of the facility and its dedication Auburn Univer
Maryland Stallion Allen’s Prospect Euthanized
Allen’s Prospect, sire of 57 stakes winners and a hallmark of consistency, was euthanized Wednesday, Sept. 3, at age 21 following surgery at New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for removal of a tumor under his jaw.
He had a fast-growing”P>Allen’s Prospect, s
Study Shows Caterpillars Cause Fetal Loss in Pigs; Problems Similar to MRLS
Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) caused fetal loss in domestic pigs based on a recent study, according to a press release issued Sept. 5 by the University of Kentucky. The experiment demonstrated for the first time that ETC could
Suspect EEE or WNV Cases in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has been notified of three suspected cases of encephalitis in horses in Rhode Island. All three horses are from Washington County and are being investigated for possible West Nile Virus
Dutch, Israeli Researchers Developing West Nile Virus Vaccine
Crucell N.V., a Dutch biotechnology company, and the Israel-based Kimron Veterinary Institute are anticipating the approval of their veterinary West Nile Virus (WNV) in Israel in early 2004. Based on encouraging results from their early work,
West Nile Virus Treatment Licensed
Novartis Animal Vaccines announced Aug. 19 the conditional licensing and availability of the only antibody product approved by the USDA to help control disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in equids. This product helps an exposed animal by
