Response of Mares Exposed to Caterpillars in Successive Pregnancies

Processionary Caterpillars (PC) (Ochrogaster lunifer) are a recognised aetiological agent of Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss (EAFL), an important cause of abortion. The PC and its host trees are native to Australia and PC are widespread. Control of PC in the environment is challenging, time consuming and expensive. There is strong interest in developing a diagnostic tool that identifies mares that have been exposed to PC, or a vaccine to prevent EAFL. There are no epidemiological studies investigating outcomes for subsequent pregnancies of mares that have aborted to EAFL.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research