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THOROUGHBRED HORSES
Histopathology of Mares Aborting Due to Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss
30 pages
Published: 4 Nov 2010
Author(s): Todhunter, K.H., Cawdell-Smith, A.J.
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The processionary caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer) has been demonstrated to cause Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss (EAFL). This syndrome occurred in 2004 with increased abortions on various breeding establishments in the Hunter Valley of Australia, causing over 30% of the abortions investigated in that season. This report concerns the changes exhibited at a microscopic level in the pregnant mare after ingesting processionary caterpillars.
The primary target group of this report is equine stud veterinarians, veterinary pathologists, and ultimately any person involved in the breeding of horses. The relevance of these findings in helping advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss (EAFL) may also help manage the conditions caused by EAFL before exposure or abortion occurs.
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