College of Agriculture
Veterinary Science	Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome Index Page
Daily Briefings

Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome

Daily Briefing, May 16

Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome Briefing
UK College of Agriculture

  (Click here for audio briefing) (wav file)
Free RealPlayer is required.

A committee of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners (KAEP)  has developed suggestions for veterinarians to discuss with their clients regarding the Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome. The document was provided by the KAEP and is posted to our web-site.

At this point in the scientific investigation, the primary suspects are in the pasture ecosystem. They include ergot alkaloids, mycotoxins, phyto estrogens and other pasture compounds. It is believed that weather conditions of the past several months, drought, and unusual temperature patterns, including freeze/frost may be contributing factors that upset the balance of the pasture ecosystem, allowing for rapid and unbalanced growth of various plant organisms.

Preliminary data, as of yet, does not indicate a clear causal agent.

Additional field reports from farm managers will be added to the web-site on a regular basis.  Numbers reported by the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, now also include early fetal loss, late fetal/foal loss along with a total number. Information on test results available to the present time will be included in tomorrow's briefing.