Florida Farm & Feed

Recommendations issued by the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Florida regarding the outbreak of equine abortions in central Kentucky.

From the UK College of Agriculture

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 23, 2001)

This message is to inform you that Texas Animal Health Commission is closely monitoring the equine death loss situation in Kentucky. Since April 28, 382 fetuses and/or stillborn foals representing 18 different equine breeds have been detected in Kentucky.

The farms on which the death losses occurred cover a large area of central Kentucky. The problem in Kentucky began the last week of April. Foals ranging from 5 wks early to overdue were presented with decreased blood sugar, leukopenia, signs of sepsis and severe dehydration. In May, mares began having stillbirths following a low-grade fever. Also, the incidence of illness in other genders and age groups began to appear- pericaridal efflusion in mares, suckling foals and yearlings. Those equine more confined were less affected than those out on pasture. The number of new cases appears to be declining.

The disease appears to be non-infectious. Laboratory results are expected by mid-week on feed samples from affected premises. This situation may be associated with consumption of contaminated grass or hay. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is trying hard to keep other states informed, and at this time, the Texas Animal Health Commission is not increasing restrictions for the movement of equine from Kentucky. All equine transported from other states to Texas are required to be accompanied by certificate of veterinary inspection issued within the past 45 days, and a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) within the previous 12 months.