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

An equine practitioner in Morgan County, Ohio, suspects that five cases of red bag delivery within the past week–plus 10 pregnant mares that are now empty–could be the same thing that veterinarians in Kentucky are dealing with, according to

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

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

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

As of May 10, the states of Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana seem to be clear of the problems of foal losses facing Kentucky horse breeders. Since Tennessee’s foaling season tends to coincide with Kentucky’s

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

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,

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

As of noon May 16, the Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center had received nine additional aborted/stillborn equine fetuses/foals (five early-term and four late-term) for diagnostic testing/evaluation. The total received since April 28, 2001,

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