Latest News – The Horse

The following questionnaire about fetal death and late-term abortions is being distributed by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Manangers’ Club to its members. The questionnaire, dated May 7, was prepared by the University of Kentucky’s Department

Two “syndromes” of unknown origin that began in late April are causing Central Kentucky farms to lose an excessive number of foals and fetuses.

The first syndrome results in what broodmare owners know as “red bag,” or premature placenta

An outbreak of early-term fetal loss in 1980 was eventually discounted by researchers as an “artifact epidemic” caused by earlier than usual examinations. Still, that outbreak now is viewed by many as similar in nature to the current syndrome

Thoroughbred industry leaders, veterinarians, researchers, and farm managers met with the media at the Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Ky., for a press briefing on the current fetal/foal loss syndromes happening in the state. While

Equine scientists at the University of Kentucky are working with farm managers and horse industry leaders to rapidly diagnose and control a serious problem affecting the equine industry. An unusually high number of late-term abortions and early

The highest number of foals/fetal samples taken to the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in Lexington, Ky., during the current problem with late-term abortions and early embryonic loss occurred on Derby Day, May 5, according to the Center’s

With Kentucky’s share of the Thoroughbred foal crop in the United States at an all-time high of nearly 30%, the repercussions of the excessive foal loss that many Central Kentucky farms are experiencing may be felt for years to come.

In the wake of the outbreak of late-term fetal/foal deaths and near-term abortions in mares in Central Kentucky, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued guidelines for the equine industry on horses from

A series of abortions has recently been reported in several farms in Central Kentucky. At this time, the cause of these abortions is not determined, but there is no evidence of infectious etiology. Based upon currently available

David Parrish III, DVM, was president of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners in 1980 when a mystery problem occurred that caused abortions in mares during early pregnancy. While both involved abortions and were mysteries, the

The effects of the current crisis resulting from mares aborting or having late-term stillborn foals are being felt on the equine insurance business. According to insurance professionals, underwriters are not accepting any policies

There have been no reports in Maryland of the two syndromes that are affecting the breeding industry in Kentucky, and no plans at this time to ban horses from entering the state.

“There is no sign of a problem here in Maryland,” said Tim

Veterinary and diagnostic professionals in Kentucky are working feverishly to identify the cause of the recent abortion and early fetal loss syndromes. One of the most probable causes is mycotoxins in pastures. If that is the case,

Over and over the refrain has been heard for the past two weeks–the horse industry is lucky to have the equine expertise concentrated in Central Kentucky, especially during this time of all-out war against an unknown killer. Dr. Roger Murphy,

Actually, the view from the field in Central Kentucky was rather lonely this Thursday, May 10. There were acres and acres of fresh-mown–or being furiously mowed–pastures that are beginning to resemble putting greens. The