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
Dr. Claire Latimer is a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology, the study of animal eyes. Since May 1, she has seen a surprising increase of eye problems in horses in Central Kentucky that fall into two distinct groups. She said the first syndrome
Simpsonville, Ky., is experiencing the same problems that are plaguing horse breeders in Lexington, according to William Rhoads, DVM, and Scott Bennett, DVM, of Equine Services Hospital. Both equine practitioners said that some farms
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
As of noon May 17, the Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center had received nine additional aborted/stillborn equine fetuses/foals (four early-term and five late-term) for diagnostic testing/evaluation. The total received since April 28,
May 17–As of noon, a total of 9 additional aborted/stillborn equine fetuses/foals (5 late-term and 4 early-term) have been submitted for diagnostic testing/evaluation. The total as of this count since April 28, 2001 is
Following is a statement sent to other State Veterinarians on May 16, 2001
SUBJECT: Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome
Dr. Don Notter, Kentucky State Veterinarian, has asked that I provide to you the latest information regarding what
To: Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners (KAEP)
From: KAEP Emerging Disease Committee
Re: Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome
Based on scientific and diagnostic results available to date, the following are suggestions
Industry organizations have taken a proactive stand in the wake of the fetal loss syndrome that has gripped Central Kentucky farms in recent weeks. Tim Smith, commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), has been in
As Ohio veterinarians try to understand and determine what might be affecting foals in the Ohio River Valley, the number of foals and fetuses available for testing by the diagnostic lab is no greater than normal. Sheila Grimes, DVM, PhD, Pathology
At the industry-wide meeting on Thursday, May 10, Dr. Steve Jackson, an equine nutrition consultant and owner of Bluegrass Equine Nutrition, and Dr. Jimmy Henning, an extension forage specialist at the University of Kentucky’s College of
Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber, a veterinarian with Hagyard-Davidson-McGee veterinary firm in Lexington, Ky., specializes in performance horse problems. She said in the past 10 days, she has seen “a lot of riding horses lame with an associated colitis
Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and two members of the House of Representatives from the Bluegrass State — Ernie Fletcher of the 6th Congressional district and Ed Whitfield from the 1st district — have written a letter to Secretary of Agricultur
While the numbers are nowhere near those associated with early fetal loss and late gestation pregnancy loss, there is a pattern appearing with horses developing pericarditis (fluid in the sac around the heart), said Dr. Doug Byars, a specialist
As the breeding season winds to a close, you expect to see fewer foals being born. Therefore, there are fewer chances for the current syndrome to affect late-gestation mares. It also seems, however, that the loss of late-term gestations–and
The foal loss syndromes facing Kentucky’s pregnant mares might be just the start of a host of problems that could affect horses of all ages, breeds, sexes, and uses in Kentucky and other states. Whether you have a gelding that is on turn-out, a
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