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Title: Horse species symposium pathogenic and reproductive dysfunction in hourses

Author
item RYAN, P - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/25/2011
Publication Date: 1/28/2011
Citation: Ryan, P.L. 2011. Horse species symposium pathogenic and reproductive dysfunction in hourses. Journal of Animal Science. 89(5):1538-1540.

Interpretive Summary: One of the major factors contributing to production losses in the equine industry is pathogen-associated reproductive dysfunction. Although it is difficult to place a true value on the economic losses associated with pathogen-induced reproductive dysfunction in the horse due to the varying value of individual animals, the financial loss and emotional stress to horse owners and breeders is significant. Pathogenic organisms are associated with poor reproductive performance in the stallion and open and pregnant mare. This overview/review manuscript detailed the findings presented at the “Horse Species Symposium” held in Denver, Colorado, on July 15, 2010, at the joint meeting of the American Society of Animal Science, American Society of Dairy Science, Poultry Science Association, Asociación Mexicana de Producción Animal, and Canadian Society of Animal Science. In summary, these presentations provided an informative update on the progress that has been made in recent years to improve the management and understanding of pathogen-induced reproductive dysfunction in the equid species. Although much progress has been made in these areas, it is clear that challenges still lay ahead, in particular the increasing threat of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Technical Abstract: One of the major factors contributing to production losses in the equine industry is pathogen-associated reproductive dysfunction. Although it is difficult to place a true value on the economic losses associated with pathogen-induced reproductive dysfunction in the horse due to the varying value of individual animals, the financial loss and emotional stress to horse owners and breeders is significant. Pathogenic organisms are associated with poor reproductive performance in the stallion and open and pregnant mare. Thus, the Horse Species Symposium held in Denver, Colorado, on July 15, 2010, at the joint meeting of the American Society of Animal Science, American Society of Dairy Science, Poultry Science Association, Asociación Mexicana de Producción Animal, and Canadian Society of Animal Science targeted 3 areas of significance: 1) contagious equine metritis (CEM), 2) identification of pathogens associated with endometritis and chronic endometritis in the mare, and 3) pathogen invasion during uterine infection leading to premature birth in mares. The primary goal of the symposium was to give an update on these 3 areas of concern and what progress has been made in the management, diagnosis, and treatment of these infectious conditions that have led to reduced reproductive performance in the equine species. In summary, these presentations provided an informative update on the progress that has been made in recent years to improve the management and understanding of pathogen-induced reproductive dysfunction in the equid species. Insights on prevention of CEM, better diagnosis and treatment of mares presented with endometritis, and new information on the localization of pathogens associated with preterm delivery and abortion were presented. Although much progress has been made in these areas, it is clear that challenges still lay ahead, in particular the increasing threat of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.