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

Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome

Briefing, July 13

Briefing, July 13, 2001
Friday, 5:00 pm

Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome
UK College of Agriculture

MRLS Update

With reference to a press report of July 12 stating "scientists are convinced that cyanide naturally present in cherry tree leaves was responsible for the mysterious illness that killed foals and fetuses in Kentucky Thoroughbreds this spring," it is necessary to issue the following clarification.

While cyanide is a major focus of ongoing investigation of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS), we wish to emphasize very strongly that no definitive diagnosis as to the cause of the syndrome has yet been established by scientists at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center.

Parallel investigations are continuing as to other possible causes of MRLS which include mycotoxins, fungal endophytes, phytoestrogens and chemical compounds.